Biden was clear – so why is Israel defying its closest ally again?
It has been an extraordinary week for the Israeli-American alliance. Several factors mean the US president is snookered – and Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israel will not be deterred by American warnings. President Joe Biden could not have been clearer in his opposition to Israel’s ground invasion into Lebanon, stating, “No. I’m comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.” However, Israel’s response was to launch the invasion anyway, despite the potential risks of escalating the conflict and drawing in more regional powers.
Israel’s actions have been driven by a desire to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure along the border, which poses a significant threat to Israeli citizens. The US has acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense, but it remains concerned about the potential for mission creep and the risk of Israel being drawn into a quagmire in Lebanon. The Biden administration has been urging Israel to limit the scope of its invasion, but it seems unlikely that Israel will adhere to these requests.
The situation is further complicated by Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, which has heightened tensions in the region. The US has condemned Iran’s actions as escalatory and has emphasized its support for Israel. However, the strong endorsement of Israel by the US also carries potential risks, as it may embolden Israel to take greater risks than it otherwise would. The Biden administration’s efforts to broker a ceasefire have been met with skepticism, and it remains uncertain whether these efforts will succeed in preventing a wider war in the Middle East.
