As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens and international calls for ceasefire increase, more analysts believe that only the U.S. remains capable of exerting real influence over Israel’s military and political decisions.
Israel continues its military operations in Gaza despite international condemnation for their deaths and destruction, which have resulted in thousands of Palestinian lives being taken, with infrastructure virtually falling apart as the war escalates. They claim this campaign must dismantle Hamas to ensure long-term security.
“Many nations have expressed outrage, issued statements or demanded accountability; however, none possess the influence of Washington,” explained Dr. Nadia Karim of the International Crisis Forum. If there’s any chance for a ceasefire or change in Israel’s strategy to occur at all, pressure from America is likely required for it.”
The U.S. has long been one of Israel’s closest allies, providing billions in annual military aid and diplomatic support at international forums like the UN Security Council. Washington has expressed grave concern at rising civilian deaths but stopped short of placing any binding restrictions on Israel’s military operations.
On Capitol Hill, discussion of America’s role continues to flare up. A small but vocal group of lawmakers have demanded that any military aid for Israel is conditional upon it complying with international humanitarian law; others assert that Israel has every right to defend itself.
President Joe Biden’s administration has tread a fine line between supporting a two-state solution and humanitarian relief, while upholding Israel’s right to self-defense. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has made multiple visits to the region recently to encourage restraint and foster dialogue – but without yielding tangible results.
Dr. Karim noted, “The Biden administration is under mounting domestic and international pressure, yet any substantive change to weapons pause, ceasefire agreements or diplomatic initiatives would require strong political will from within the White House–something we haven’t witnessed yet decisively.”
Protests continue in major U.S. cities, with demonstrators calling for Washington to do more to stop the war and human rights groups urging it to reconsider arms transfers and military cooperation with Israel.
European nations, Arab League members and international organizations have all demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities; however, analysts contend that while their voices are important, they lack the economic and military connections that give the U.S. its unique influence.
“Only the U.S. can exert real pressure against Israel,” Karim noted, and noted that any shift in American policy might force Tel Aviv to change its calculations.
As Gaza struggles through an intensifying humanitarian catastrophe, Washington remains under intense scrutiny as decisions taken in the coming weeks may prove crucial in either exacerbating or deescalating this conflict.