President-elect Donald Trump’s approach to Israel played a key role in securing a ceasefire in Gaza, with a diplomat crediting him for “real pressure” on the Israeli side to accept a deal. In contrast, President Joe Biden failed to exert similar pressure over 15 months of violence, despite having leverage to do so.
The US had been bombing civilians in Gaza without any significant pushback from Biden, until Trump’s envoy raised concerns. Once that happened, a ceasefire was secured. The consequences of Biden’s inaction are severe, with many deaths and American credibility at stake.
Experts argue that Biden could have achieved the same outcome using America’s leverage every day for the past year. Instead, he chose not to intervene, leading to long-lasting strategic repercussions for the US.
Biden’s own officials, including his acting Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Brett Holmgren, warn that anti-American sentiment is rising due to the war in Gaza, with terrorist groups recruiting on these sentiments and issuing specific calls for America. Every bomb dropped by Israel under Biden made Americans less safe, morally and strategically.
To heal from this damage, the US must acknowledge its errors, hold those responsible accountable, and learn from its mistakes. This includes remembering Biden’s approach as a turning point in American foreign policy, one that led to complicity in what may amount to genocide.
Source: https://responsiblestatecraft.org/biden-ceasefire-credit