Israel has made it abundantly clear that it has no intention of accepting President Biden’s so-called “win by losing” plan for Gaza. This plan, cloaked in the typical diplomatic jargon, essentially suggests that Israel should sacrifice its security and territorial integrity in the name of a temporary ceasefire and some vague promises of peace. One has to wonder if the people in the Biden administration are spending too much time in an echo chamber, where ideas like this are celebrated but fail to see the real world outside.
The idea of “winning by losing” is a concept that might work in a game of chess but falls flat in the complex environment of Middle Eastern politics. The Biden plan seems more like an attempt to distract from domestic woes rather than an actionable strategy. With soaring inflation, rampant crime, and an ongoing border crisis, suggesting Israel simply needs to take one for the team serves more to highlight the administration’s ineptitude than to offer any genuine solutions for peace.
Hezbollah begging for mercy proves Israel is right to fight —and shrug off Biden’s terrible advice…………………. pic.twitter.com/xwDIvJwSZY
— j wall ✡ (@jwhaifa) October 9, 2024
Furthermore, Israel has good reason to dismiss this plan outright. The nation has spent decades defending itself against various terrorist organizations, all of which thrive on weakness. If Israel were to adopt a strategy predicated on appeasement, it would embolden those who wish to do it harm. One could argue this is akin to suggesting a lion should lower its guard around a pack of hungry hyenas simply because it would be “better for both sides.”
Biden’s approach seems to rely heavily on a hope-and-pray philosophy more than anything based in reality. The historical context of previous ceasefires and truce agreements in the region should have taught some important lessons about trust and verification—not to mention that there is a lengthy track record of promises made to Israel that have not materialized. If history has shown anything, it is that compromise without genuine mutual respect and safety only leads to more instability.
In conclusion, Israel’s firm refusal to adopt a plan that essentially asks it to relinquish its right to self-defense reflects not just national pride but also a solid understanding of the very real dangers it faces. It is rather amusing that the Biden administration thought a “win by losing” strategy would be met with open arms. Perhaps they should stick to what they know best: domestic politics, where giving away the store seems to be all the rage.