Israeli Aggression Against Palestine: Connecting The Dots
By
Asad Mirza, New Age Islam
20 April
2024
The On-Going Conflict In Palestine Has Revealed
The Intricate Cobweb Of False Promises, Ambiguous Stands And False Jubilations
By The Western Nations On Adopting A Hollow UN Resolution.
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(Photo:
Opinio Juris)
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As the
Israeli aggression against Palestine entered its seventh month, the world
witnessed a number of unrelated events or proclamations adopted by the western
powers to get the genocide stopped in Palestine. Though at the first glance,
most of these incidents seems unrelated but at closer scrutiny we find that
these are related to one another and are playing or may play a definitive role
in getting the conflict resolved.
Let’s try
to analyse and see for ourselves how these unrelated incidents are related and
have a bearing on the on-going conflict.
The first
event, on the last day of March saw at the ground level the increasing protests
against the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government in Israel. On 30th March, tens of
thousands of Israelis gathered across Tel Aviv and other occupied cities for
protests against their Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.
For the
first time, the families of the Israeli prisoners being held by the resistance
in Gaza, who normally hold separate rallies, joined the massive crowds of
anti-government protesters – whose movement initially started with the prime
minister’s controversial judicial overhaul initiative last year. After nearly
six months of war, hostages’ families join with anti-government rallies
Demonstrators
also clashed with police in Jerusalem, where around 200 rampaged through police
barricades in order to protest outside Netanyahu’s home in the occupied holy
city. In occupied Caesaria, protesters were arrested while cutting off roads
near the prime minister’s residence. Protests erupted in a number of other
occupied cities, including Sderot, Or Akiva, and Beersheba. These were the
largest demonstrations since the outbreak of the war on 7 October, The Times of
Israel reported.
Secondly,
this contrasts with the continued US support to Israel on the one hand and its
diplomatic and political overtures on the continuing conflict. Historically,
there has been broad bipartisan support in the US for Israel. But the situation
in Gaza has evolved into divided opinion, in the US - a significant section of
Americans is now critical of both Israel’s action, and the full US backing for
it.
Though at
the ground level US president Joe Biden seems to be supporting the Israeli
government but at the political level, he is seen trying hard to win over the
Muslim population and even the younger American population who stand against
the Israeli aggression, and who mat tilt the scales against him in the
presidential elections.
Despite an
overall disapproval rate of 57% among registered voters towards President
Biden's handling of the conflict, it is particularly noteworthy that young
voters express the strongest objections. A recent The Times/Siena survey
reveals that a significant 72% of voters aged 18-29 disapprove of President
Biden's efforts in managing the situation.
Thirdly,
due to this reason the US felt it was politically prudent to not use its veto
to block the call for an immediate ceasefire at the United Nations. In fact,
only a couple of days earlier, the US itself had sought to move a resolution
calling for a ceasefire and release of hostages, which was vetoed by Russia,
which found some of the language unacceptable.
We should
also note that historically, the United States has provided significant
political support to Israel, frequently exercising its veto power at the United
Nations Security Council. Out of a total of 83 instances where the US has used
its veto power, 42 were used to block resolutions condemning Israel. Between
1991 and 2011, of the 24 vetoes cast by the United States, 15 were specifically
employed to shield Israel from censure. However this time, US and Biden
administration has not backed Israel and allowed the resolution to pass.
Politically,
to rally the Muslim population to his campaign, Biden held a fund raising event
in New York to target the Muslim/Arab Americans voters along with former
presidents Bill Clinton and Barrack Obama. Perhaps thinking foolishly that
Hussein Obama may be able to win over the Arab Americans. But in reality
demonstrators harangued the trio.
Winning
over Arab Americans is important in the context of the presidential election in
November. For President Joe Biden, the Arab and Muslim vote, as well as the
vote from the Democratic Party’s left wing, are crucial - and these voters have
been critical of Israel. Swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin (both of
which were won by Biden in 2020) have significant Muslim populations, and will
be crucial for the President in his likely re-match with Donald Trump. Also,
many Arab countries, some of which are important partners to the US, are
growing increasingly concerned at Israel’s actions.
In reality,
the US has taken this position at the UN in a very specific situation. Its
leaders remain invested in the broader US-Israel relationship. They do not
identify all of Israel with Netanyahu, whose relations with the current US
administration have deteriorated significantly. Earlier this month, Senate
majority leader Chuck Schumer described Netanyahu as an obstacle to peace, and
called for early elections in Israel - this is the line that the Democrats are
taking, distancing themselves from the ruling dispensation and their political
choices, but not necessarily from Israel.
So Biden’s
outreach to American Muslims and the US’ support to the UN resolution, should
not be seen in isolation, but together, as a ploy by Biden to win over his
supporters and critics. In addition, young American voters, who see this war as
unnecessary and criticise Biden and Democrats for it, also have to be won over
by Biden.
Meanwhile,
hours after Biden's early-April statement, the Washington Post reported that
his government had signed off on additional bombs and warplanes for Israel in
recent days worth billions of dollars.
This shows
the real face of the US-Israel relationship. When we start connecting the dots
then we realise that come what may, US will continue to support Israel overtly
and covertly, and foil any plans, which might be able to establish peace in the
region. As the ME region on the boil serves the trade, defence and political
aims of the US.
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Asad Mirza is a Delhi-based senior political and
international affairs commentator
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-politics/israeli-aggression-palestine/d/132171
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