The US Decision to Abstain from Voting on Gaza Ceasefire and Its Implications for the Israel-US Relationship

The recent abstention by the United States from voting on the Gaza ceasefire resolution has sent ripples through the complex relationship between the two nations. This decision has inadvertently weakened the traditional American support for Israel, particularly affecting its domestic political landscape. For Joe Biden, the 81-year-old Catholic President, the matter was multifaceted, marked by a genuine concern for the Palestinian people and a steadfast commitment to defense ties with Israel.

On the one hand, USAID approved a 2.5 billion dollar sale of F35 fighter jets and 2000 lb bombs. This approval comes despite Biden's warning to Prime Minister Netanyahu to limit the number of fatalities—a glaring contradiction in the eyes of many observers. The complexity of the situation lies in Biden's personal feelings towards the land of the Bible and his broader domestic and international responsibilities. This decision underscores a delicate balancing act between humanitarian commitments and defense agreements.

Implications of Abstention on US-Israel Relations

The decision not to veto the Gaza ceasefire resolution is likely to have long-lasting effects on the U.S.-Israel relationship. If U.S. policies on Israel begin to adversely affect domestic politics, such as the election of Congressmen and Senators, or the re-election of the President, we may see a reduction in diplomatic support for Israel. This scenario raises the specter of pressure on Israel to embark on a permanent two-state solution and could result in financial and social criticisms from various circles regarding the funding of wars and military aid, such as that to Egypt and Ukraine.

Political Realignment and Future Scenarios

The current political landscape presents a significant challenge for Israel. If President Biden were to lose the election, a new narrative around the Israeli-Palestinian issue might emerge within the Democratic Party. However, given the strong influence of pro-Israel lobbies among Republicans and the steadfast support for Israel from Christian Zionists, a significant shift does not seem likely.

Potential Improvements under Trump

In a potential scenario where Donald Trump returns to the presidency in January 2025, the relationship between the United States and Israel would likely improve significantly. This improvement is due to Trump's well-documented pro-Israel stance, which might enable the U.S. to revisit and possibly revise past diplomatic postures, particularly regarding Hamas.

Criticism and Concerns

Amidst these tensions, there are also growing concerns about U.S. foreign policy, especially regarding its allies. Questions are being raised about why the U.S. would risk betraying its allies for the sake of political expediency, as implied by the possible delay in addressing the Hamas threat and other geopolitical imperatives.

The uneven application of principles and the apparent lack of humanism in certain international policy decisions have led to increased criticism. For instance, Rev. Tim Walberg, a U.S. Christian pastor, has even called for the nuclear bombing of Gaza. This statement reveals a striking contrast between the U.S.'s public stance and its actions, raising questions about the state of rationality and morality in U.S. foreign policy.

Conclusion

The U.S. decision to abstain from voting on the Gaza ceasefire resolution is a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the United States and Israel. It underscores the need for a balanced approach to foreign policy, one that acknowledges both humanitarian concerns and strategic interests. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for the U.S. to address its contradictions and strive for a more coherent and morally grounded foreign policy that genuinely reflects the values of its citizens.