State Department Diplomats Criticize Israel’s Conduct in Gaza War, Fueling Internal Discontent
US State Department diplomats have expressed grievances against Israel’s conduct during the recent Gaza War, leading to a resurgence of internal dissent within the department. A leaked memo, obtained by Politico, reveals that mid-level staffers believe the US has been turning a blind eye to what they deem to be unacceptable actions by Israel.
The memo argues that while the US recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense, it should also be willing to publicly criticize the country for potential violations, including civilian deaths and illegal land seizures. By failing to address these issues, diplomats argue that the US perpetuates the perception of being a biased and dishonest actor in the region, which undermines its global interests.
Although the State Department refrains from commenting on internal memos, department spokesman Matthew Miller highlighted Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s support for internal debate. The Biden administration’s response to the war has faced criticism from numerous diplomats, particularly its stance on a ceasefire.
While the administration reportedly urges Israel to consider a three-day pause in fighting, it has stopped short of calling for a complete ceasefire. This position has sparked widespread protests across the US, prompting concerns of a brewing mutiny within the State Department.
Reports suggest that diplomats are preparing to file a cable in the department’s Dissent Channel, which serves as a formal platform for expressing policy disagreements. This channel, established during the Vietnam War, will allow agency leadership to review the concerns raised.
Resignations within the State Department have already occurred as a result of the perceived mishandling of the conflict. Josh Paul, a State Department arms transfer official, resigned, citing the department’s blind support for one side and decisions that contradict the values it publicly espouses. Similarly, the director of the New York office of the UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights, Craig Mokhiber, resigned, expressing frustration with the organization’s apparent powerlessness in preventing what he described as a genocide unfolding before their eyes.
As discontent grows within the State Department, it highlights the challenges the Biden administration faces in maintaining a unified approach to the Gaza situation. The internal dismay suggests a divergence between official policies and the concerns of diplomats who believe that stronger action is required to address the violations committed during the war.
It remains to be seen how these internal dissenting voices will impact US policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the long run. However, the airing of grievances by State Department diplomats underscores the challenges of navigating a delicate balance between supporting an ally and addressing potential violations of international norms.
