The United States
For decades, the United States has engaged in the Israel-Palestine conflict, often siding with Israel due to its strategic Middle Eastern position and shared cultural values. Israel receives substantial U.S. aid, notably $3.3 billion annually for military programs and an additional $500 million for missile defense, including a significant contribution to Israel’s Iron Dome system. The U.S. advocates for a two-state solution, aiming for an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, with borders negotiated based on pre-1967 lines. Efforts to mediate peace, including the 1990s Oslo Accords initiated by the U.S., have seen mixed results. These efforts were complicated by the rise of Hamas, labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S., especially after its 2006 electoral victory in Palestinian elections. The U.S. response included sanctions and a push for international isolation of Hamas-controlled Gaza while supporting the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority in the West Bank.
The U.S. has traditionally considered Israeli settlements in the occupied territories to be an obstacle to peace, inconsistent with international law, and not legitimate. The stance on borders has generally supported negotiations based on the pre-1967 lines, with mutually agreed land swaps allowing Israel to keep some of the larger settlement blocs in exchange for territory that would be part of a future Palestinian state. However, this stance has seen shifts depending on the administration, with some showing more tolerance for settlement expansion. Also, Jerusalem’s status should be determined through negotiations, recognizing the city’s importance to both Israelis and Palestinians. The Trump administration’s controversial move of the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem in 2017 was seen as recognizing the city as Israel’s undivided capital, a departure from previous policy. The Biden administration has not reversed this decision but continues to support a two-state solution, with Jerusalem serving as the capital for both states.
Under President Biden, the U.S. has shown continued support for the two-state solution and sought to mend relations with the Palestinians, including resuming financial aid. Following a significant attack by Hamas, the U.S. reaffirmed its alliance with Israel. The US first unconditionally supported Israel in its bid to fight against Hamas, starting October 7. However, after six months of war and over 33000 civilian casualties, the US seems to be changing its direction. Congressional Democrats are advocating for a shift in U.S. policy toward Israel following the deaths of seven workers from World Central Kitchen in Gaza, threatening $14 billion in security aid Israel was supposed to receive. This move, reflecting wider discontent within the party, might challenge Biden’s reelection efforts. Amidst this, Biden confronted Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, demanding immediate measures to safeguard civilians and aid workers, tying further U.S. support in the conflict against Hamas to these demands. Biden also requested an immediate ceasefire, a move Israel doesn’t want to make.
Policy options for the USA:
- Adhere to the status quo: Ignore international cries for justice and support ally Israel in its bid against Hamas, providing financial and material support.
- Use economic sanctions: The USA could halt support of Israel until Israel abides by international laws and prevents innocent civilians from dying. Simultaneously, enforce targeted sanctions against individuals or entities on both sides that perpetuate the conflict or violate human rights.
- Push for ceasefire: Push for a truce with all means possible
- Recognize the Palestinian state, and provide more legitimacy for the Palestinian people
- Turn your back on Israel, and let it conduct its war.
- Work with international partners to establish a secure, monitored humanitarian corridor to allow the safe passage of aid, medical supplies, and food into Gaza. This corridor would be operated under international supervision to ensure it is not used for military purposes.
- Advocate for deploying an international protection force to oversee the ceasefire and protect civilians in conflict zones. The UN could sanction this force and involve troops from neutral countries tasked with ensuring the safety of aid operations and preventing further hostilities.
