Staff Reports
In a classic example of diplomatic gymnastics, President Joe Biden has managed to land not one, but two feet firmly in his mouth regarding the recent Israeli airstrike that took out Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The strike, which was clearly a move to bolster Israeli national security, drew a response from Biden that had many scratching their heads and others rolling their eyes. The president’s insistence on pursuing a ceasefire deal, despite rampant attacks on Israel from terrorist entities, raises eyebrows as to just how detached he truly is from the realities on the ground.
As the dust settled in Lebanon from the airstrike, Biden’s statement hit the airwaves with all the decisiveness of a wet noodle. The U.S. president claimed to stand firmly behind Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and their Iranian backers, while simultaneously calling for both sides to “calm down.” One can only wonder what “calm down” looks like in the face of unprovoked aggression aimed at a staunch U.S. ally. It surely doesn’t inspire confidence that Biden will prioritize American interests overseas.
The slapstick comedy of errors doesn’t end there. Reports surfaced that Israel kept the airstrike under wraps, fearing that Biden’s administration might meddle and interfere with the Israeli Defense Forces’ plans. It seems that the shadow of mistrust looms larger than the clouds over Lebanon. With Biden at the helm of U.S. foreign policy, it’s no wonder that allies might think twice before sharing their strategies, lest they be yanked back into the endless gridlock of diplomatic negotiations that yield little more than an invitation for terrorists to keep their activities alive and well.
Biden Slammed for His Response to Hezbollah Leader's Death https://t.co/a3LSi45Q4Z
— Woodrow Williams (@Woodrow17165268) September 30, 2024
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s team was busy trying to juggle a ceasefire proposal with the Biden administration while formulating their own game plan to strike back against Hezbollah. The misstep provided plenty of material for political analysts to chew on, as they observed an administration that appears to be more focused on high-level talks than practical solutions. One Israeli journalist highlighted the predicament, hinting that their negotiations may have turned into a last-minute kabuki dance with the U.S. instead of a robust strategy against terrorist threats.
With tensions boiling over, the need for decisive and unwavering support for allies like Israel has never been clearer. Biden’s attempt to unilaterally call for de-escalation and healing amidst continued aggression from multiple fronts demonstrates a lack of understanding of the stakes involved. The broader Middle East is not a playground for tippy-toeing around terrorists while playing diplomat. The reality suggests that until there is a clear commitment to stand firm against those who threaten peace and stability, calls for ceasefires may just echo into the void, leaving an honest ally to fend for themselves in a dangerous game.
