ARAB AND WORLD

Mon 19 Aug 2024 9:50 am - Jerusalem Time

Washington Post: US support for Netanyahu may decline under new leadership

A report by the Washington Post concluded that the unconditional US support that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu enjoys now, which could lead to a regional war in the Middle East, may not last under a new leadership, as Vice President and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris appears to be less supportive of Israel than current President Joseph Biden, and although Republican candidate Donald Trump was more supportive of Israel than Biden during his previous presidency, his relationship with Netanyahu is volatile and uncertain.


Writer and analyst Max Boot said that Biden's continued support for Israel's escalatory policies in the region makes it more daring, and may lead to a further decline in American support for Israel, which will reduce its chances under a new US administration, and Netanyahu and Biden must take this into account.


The writer stressed that public opinion will influence - at least partially - the policies of the new leadership, and according to a recent Gallup poll, the number of Americans who oppose Israel's military operations exceeds the number of those who support it, and the level of support for Netanyahu is much lower among Democrats than among Republicans.


The writer attributes the tense situation in the Middle East to President Joe Biden's failure to hold Netanyahu accountable or put an end to his dangerous actions. The writer said that Netanyahu's escalation of the situation by assassinating the head of the political bureau of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) Ismail Haniyeh, and the military commander of the Hezbollah movement Fouad Shukr, and his disregard for the ceasefire deal presented by Biden, indicates his certainty that the United States will support him regardless of the consequences of his actions.


The writer said that a ceasefire in Gaza would reduce the risk of regional conflict, but Netanyahu backed down from previous concessions he had agreed to in May, which hindered the negotiations. He added that Netanyahu's hesitation in making a decision on the ceasefire may be due to his fear of reactions from members of his government from the far right.


The writer added that the US administration recently approved a $20 billion arms deal for Israel, which sends a message to Netanyahu that he can continue to ignore US demands while continuing to receive US support. The writer wondered about the usefulness of continuing this "blind support" for Israel.


Source: The Washington Post

Tags

Share your opinion

Washington Post: US support for Netanyahu may decline under new leadership