President Joe Biden encountered a significant obstacle in his attempts to bring an end to the Gaza conflict as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conveyed that the struggle would extend “more than several months,” asserting that Israel would persist in its high-intensity operations.
As reported by The Washington Post on December 15, 2023, Biden, seeking a ceasefire and a political resolution, was taken aback by Gallant’s message, contradicting his vision of a swift and peaceful resolution.
Biden had implored Israel to prioritize saving civilian lives and exercise greater caution in its attacks on Gaza, where casualties have reached almost 18,800 deaths and over 51,000 injuries, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
More Read
Additionally, Biden proposed a post-war administration transition to the Palestinian Authority, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, as part of a broader plan for an independent Palestinian state. However, Gallant rebuffed this idea, categorizing Abbas as a “terrorist supporter” and a “corrupt dictator” unacceptable to Israel.
Gallant’s statements, made during a meeting with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, were perceived as a direct challenge to Biden, who has faced criticism from within his party and human rights groups for his unwavering support for Israel.
While Biden has defended Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza, he expressed concern about the disproportionate impact on Gaza’s civilian population due to relentless airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground incursions.
The situation was further complicated by Israel’s recovery of the body of Elia Toledano, a 28-year-old Israeli kidnapped by Hamas during the Oct. 7 attack. The IDF operation resulted in the death of at least 12 Palestinians and the injury of over 30 in Jenin, West Bank.
Facing a delicate balance between supporting Israel and upholding human rights and peace commitments in the Middle East, Biden, who is expected to seek re-election in 2024, confronts criticism for being perceived as too soft on Israel or disregarding the Palestinians’ plight.
Biden’s envoy to the region, Jake Sullivan, is scheduled to meet with Abbas and other Palestinian leaders in the West Bank, aiming to revive the peace process and garner support for Biden’s Gaza plan. However, Abbas, marginalized by the war, may pose resistance due to diminished credibility.
As the war enters its third month with no signs of abatement and ongoing defiance of international calls for a ceasefire, the UN has warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, where over half the population is displaced, and basic services face severe disruptions.
