The United States stands firmly by Israel’s side. This is true of the administration, both houses of Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, and the media. In a series of statements, President Biden and the administration have underscored that the United States stands with Israel, and that “Israel has the right to defend itself and its people.” From the various remarks, it is clear that the administration:
• Supports Israel and affirms its right to respond against Hamas. It is clear that at the present time, the administration is not putting any limits on the steps Israel is taking or intends to take.
• Intends to ensure that Israel does not lack for ammunition. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly already requested that the administration guarantee the supply of interceptors for Iron Dome. The administration will likely respond immediately and affirmatively to Israel’s requests, although the crisis in the House of Representatives may complicate the necessary measures for budget approval. Nonetheless, the hope is that Congress will find a way to address Israel’s needs.
• Reiterates that “the United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation.” It is not clear whether it would support an Israeli response against Hezbollah (or other actors) or would act independently to fulfill its warning.
Beyond demonstrating outright support for its ally, the firm response by the US administration following the Hamas attack also conveys the deep sentiment that President Biden has for Israel and the imperative to guarantee its security. The international legitimacy, particularly among Western states, that Israel currently has to react as it sees fit will be shaped in the coming period from the room granted by the US administration. This will continue as long as the administration feels that Israel has a clear and viable strategic purpose that can be successfully achieved. The administration will likely assign much importance to the understanding that Israel’s moves are within the Israeli consensus and the government is focused on the principal objective, while not diverting efforts to pursue measures that do not enjoy full popular support. The administration’s unequivocal support for Israel, soon after the details and results of the Hamas attack became known, testifies once again to Israel’s need to preserve the special relations it enjoys with the United States as a principal element of its national security.
The United States stands firmly by Israel’s side. This is true of the administration, both houses of Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike, and the media. In a series of statements, President Biden and the administration have underscored that the United States stands with Israel, and that “Israel has the right to defend itself and its people.” From the various remarks, it is clear that the administration:
• Supports Israel and affirms its right to respond against Hamas. It is clear that at the present time, the administration is not putting any limits on the steps Israel is taking or intends to take.
• Intends to ensure that Israel does not lack for ammunition. Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly already requested that the administration guarantee the supply of interceptors for Iron Dome. The administration will likely respond immediately and affirmatively to Israel’s requests, although the crisis in the House of Representatives may complicate the necessary measures for budget approval. Nonetheless, the hope is that Congress will find a way to address Israel’s needs.
• Reiterates that “the United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation.” It is not clear whether it would support an Israeli response against Hezbollah (or other actors) or would act independently to fulfill its warning.
Beyond demonstrating outright support for its ally, the firm response by the US administration following the Hamas attack also conveys the deep sentiment that President Biden has for Israel and the imperative to guarantee its security. The international legitimacy, particularly among Western states, that Israel currently has to react as it sees fit will be shaped in the coming period from the room granted by the US administration. This will continue as long as the administration feels that Israel has a clear and viable strategic purpose that can be successfully achieved. The administration will likely assign much importance to the understanding that Israel’s moves are within the Israeli consensus and the government is focused on the principal objective, while not diverting efforts to pursue measures that do not enjoy full popular support. The administration’s unequivocal support for Israel, soon after the details and results of the Hamas attack became known, testifies once again to Israel’s need to preserve the special relations it enjoys with the United States as a principal element of its national security.