US Complicity in Israel’s Gaza Campaign Strengthened with Arms and Support
The United States’ involvement in Israel’s military actions in Gaza has intensified, raising concerns over complicity in potential war crimes. Recent developments highlight the growing collaboration between the two nations, including the provision of military advice, intelligence sharing, and the supply of weapons. These actions have drawn criticism as evidence of Israeli aggression against Palestinians continues to mount.
In a significant move, a three-star Marine general visited Israel last month to provide guidance on urban warfare, a tactic employed by the Israeli invasion force in Gaza. Furthermore, the United States has been offering intelligence support to Israel, focusing on identifying and targeting Hamas command and control networks. This intelligence effort was reinforced by the arrival of CIA Director William Burns in Israel on November 5, further strengthening the ties between the two countries.
Notably, alongside the transfer of intelligence, the United States is advising Israel to utilize smaller bombs when targeting Hamas leaders and infrastructure. These recommendations are coupled with an increase in the supply of these weapons to Israel. Moreover, the Department of State is considering approving a $34 million purchase of semi-automatic and automatic assault rifles directly from American gunmakers for Israel. While Israel claims that these weapons are intended for their national police force, concerns have been raised that they might end up in the hands of Jewish settlers on the West Bank.
The violence on the West Bank has largely been overshadowed, with mainstream media neglecting to cover the escalating conflict. Israeli military forces and settlers have been responsible for the deaths of approximately 150 Palestinians in the past month alone. These numbers mirror the death toll for the entire year of 2022, highlighting the severity of the situation. The lack of equitable reporting undermines the international community’s understanding of the full extent of the conflict.
The current global climate, marked by conflicts such as those in Ukraine and Gaza, has fueled a surge in arms sales worldwide. Global defense spending has surpassed $2.2 trillion, with the United States accounting for half of that total. Additionally, global military procurement is projected to exceed $200 billion in 2023, half of which will be driven by the United States. This arms race perpetuates a cycle of escalating conflict, as heightened military capabilities increase the likelihood of violence.
The United States’ involvement in Israel’s military campaign has highly compromised its ability to push for a pause in the bombing and seek a much-needed ceasefire. President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken’s diplomatic efforts have been met with embarrassment and humiliation, as they struggle to gain support from Israeli and Arab leaders. Their lack of success can be attributed partially to the weapons deliveries and intelligence support provided by the United States to Israel.
Critics argue that the international security community’s actions are concessionary, accommodating Israeli policies that seek vengeance against the Palestinians. The rush to supply arms without considering the potential harm to civilians and the media’s granting of pre-publication review rights to Israeli military commanders have raised concerns about press freedom and the impartiality of reporting.
It is disheartening to witness the United States resorting to military measures in hopes of resolving a fundamentally political issue. Historical examples, such as the U.S. involvement in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as Israel’s military endeavors in Lebanon and Gaza, indicate that such approaches are not effective. The Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 resulted in the creation of Hezbollah, now stronger than ever. Similarly, the ongoing Gaza War has seen the use of U.S.-supplied satellite-guided bombs, leading to the deaths of over 10,000 Palestinians in the first month alone, including thousands of children. Despite these devastating numbers, there is little evidence to suggest that the Israeli strikes have significantly weakened Hamas’ leadership or fighting capabilities.
Ironically, both President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu face significant domestic opposition and potential electoral defeat due to their involvement in the war. The indiscriminate Israeli bombing campaign has caused divisions within the Democratic Party and among liberal and progressive communities, further complicating Biden’s domestic challenges. Netanyahu, meanwhile, is facing political vulnerability within Israel, although his resignation seems unlikely. However, if his position becomes untenable, there is little hope that a moderate successor will emerge.
The famous words of General Sherman, stating that war is hell and that the crueler it is, the sooner it will be over, aptly describe Netanyahu’s approach to conflict. Meanwhile, the suffering of the two million civilians in Gaza has largely been ignored by the Biden administration, revealing a blind eye turned towards their plight.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is imperative to reassess the approach taken by the United States and Israel. A political solution, rather than a military one, must be pursued in order to address the root causes of the conflict and provide a path towards lasting peace and stability in the region.
