Staff Reports
President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Israel was a chance for him to deliver a heartfelt message, saying that the U.S. would stand by Israel “forever.” This was meant to be a powerful declaration of support, especially after Hamas’s brutal assault that killed over 1,200 Israelis. However, as the days and weeks rolled on, it became clear that Biden’s resolute support was more like a roller coaster ride filled with unexpected twists and turns, causing more frustration than reassurance for many in Israel and the U.S.
The Biden administration initially showered Israel with significant military assistance, delivering more than 50,000 tons of munitions and backing a substantial $17 billion aid package. This show of support was as impressive as a fireworks display on Independence Day. Congress also rallied around Israel with overwhelming bipartisan support via a resolution affirming U.S. commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas. The American public largely stood shoulder to shoulder with this support, which would have been a great soundtrack for Biden’s grand European tour if only it didn’t seem to fade out by the time he returned.
By delaying the delivery of 13 critical weapons systems—military assets that are absolutely crucial to defend Western interests in the Middle East, and have already been paid for by #Israel, as well as signed into law by Congress as a commitment to its ally—the US is making a… pic.twitter.com/1BQ1nghp5A
— Daniel Sadan (@RealDanSadan) October 7, 2024
But let’s not gloss over the darker chapters. The Biden administration’s readiness to engage in extensive aid was met with moments of puzzling silence. It behaved like a reluctant parent trying to mitigate a schoolyard brawl—often slowing down Israel’s ability to forge ahead against Hamas following the initial conflict. Biden confusingly positioned himself between offering robust support and veering toward appeasement, bending to the will of a radical faction within his own party whose best argument seems to be aiming for “balance” in a situation where balance is little more than a nice term for complicity.
Perhaps the most amusing aspect of Biden’s balancing act is his physical and cognitive decline, which has become as apparent as a warning sign for an incoming storm. One might almost wish for a public relations consultant to intervene each time the president speaks—after all, one can’t help but imagine him thinking he can still pull off being the resolute leader he once presented himself to be, while many quietly wonder if he’s even aware of the Israel-Iran face-off brewing at his fingertips.
Then there is the leftward lurch of the Democratic Party, ramping up tensions further. The emergence of anti-Israel sentiments has become about as apparent as a giant “rock band reunion” tour sticker plastered on the side of a liberal college. The spectacle of campus protests and the showcasing of pro-Hamas sentiments have yet to elicit a strong rebuke from top Democrats, leading many to ponder who exactly is steering this ship. It would seem that instead of containing these growing flames of hostility, the Biden administration has opted for a “Let’s Make Nice” strategy that’s hardly instilling confidence in Israel’s backers.
Despite these challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope as some members of Congress still believe in standing firm with Israel. There are Democrats, such as Senators John Fetterman and Ritchie Torres, who are willing to fight against the rising tide of antisemitism within their party. Their courage serves as a refreshing reminder that not all hope is lost among the ashes of leftist sentiment. For now, the battle continues, with many people relying on good old-fashioned American resolve to protect the cherished principles that unite us all.
The journey forward for U.S.-Israeli relations feels a bit like a bumpy ride on a Saturday night joy ride, where everyone hopes to get home safely without too many detours. Biden may have started with grand declarations of unwavering support for Israel, but it’s clear that how he navigates this complex landscape will determine whether his original promises transform from benevolent declarations into meaningful actions—or if they’ll dissolve like sugar in coffee on a hot day. As the world keeps a watchful eye, it’s apparent that Americans want to feel confident that their government can stand firm against terrorism and stand strong with their allies.
