Can Biden cure Netanyahu's 'cakeism'?

Biden needs to leverage America’s substantial clout to guide Israel's Prime Minister away from a path of isolation and towards a sustainable peace for Gaza and the region

Photo: GPO Israel

The war in Gaza has pulled back the curtain on a reality as old as the U.S.-Israel relationship itself: Israel's reliance on U.S. support without heeding U.S. counsel. Historically, the U.S. has been Israel's staunch ally, providing extensive military aid and diplomatic backing. However, as Israel continues its operations in Gaza, the Biden administration's calls for a more measured approach and its strategy for a post-conflict scenario seem to be falling on deaf ears in Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with his unwavering confidence, aims to destroy Hamas to ensure Israel never again faces another October 7-style threat, while at the same time satisfying his right-wing cabinet's desire to maintain the status quo in the Gaza strip, or, as some reports suggest, shrink its size and population. The US is fully on board with the former, but the later is a no-go.

It’s a classic case of 'cakeism' – Israel enjoying unconditional support while giving minimal heed to U.S. pleas for restraint. Biden is like the parent oscillating between a stern voice and a pampering hand.

Until now, President Biden’s strategy has been to warn Israel with a ‘maybe’ – a muffled voice in a room full of loud opinions.vNow, it’s clear his administration's patience is running out as the U.S.’ unwavering commitment to Israel's right to defend itself competes with its growing unease with the humanitarian toll in Gaza.

Biden’s recent and uncharacteristically strong remarks to donors about Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” in Gaza weren’t just a diplomatic wrist slap to Netanyahu; they were a full-blown, 'Get real, buddy!' moment.

Israel's security might rest on U.S. support, but even the sturdiest of alliances have their breaking points. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated this week in Tel Aviv, this “indiscriminate bombing,” as Biden put it, isn't just a tactical misstep; it's a strategic blunder threatening Israel’s standing on the world stage.

As the Biden administration pushes for a more targeted Israeli military strategy and a robust humanitarian response to the crisis in Gaza, the use of unguided bombs by the IDF, as CNN reported, citing U.S. intelligence, is another contentious point. This approach, resulting in high civilian casualties, not only challenges the ethics of warfare but also puts the U.S. in a tough spot. Israel can’t be seen to play whack-a-mole in Gaza with U.S permission and not expect the world to raise an eyebrow.

Biden’s proposition for a Palestinian Authority-led Gaza, along with major reforms within the P.A., is a long game designed to ensure regional stability and a sustainable peace framework. The plan, endorsed by most Arab states which would be asked to help implement it, contrasts sharply with Netanyahu’s plans for buffer zones and an indefinite military presence in Gaza.

This is like watching a high-stakes poker game where Netanyahu’s betting the house on a pair of twos. His rejection of Biden’s ideas isn’t merely a policy divergence or a snub to the U.S.; it’s a clear sign of his political dynamics dictating his approach, not to mention a challenge to the very concept of a negotiated peace and a deepening rift between visions of the future of the region.

Take a moment to digest the irony here. Biden is tiptoeing around Netanyahu, cautious of overstepping, yet itching to lay down the law. He is playing a game of diplomatic Twister, bending over backward to reshape a conflict that is going off the rails.

Biden’s balancing act is becoming increasingly difficult. The world is watching as the death toll in Gaza rises, and international patience wears thin. The U.S.' veto power in the U.N. Security Council has shielded Israel from global condemnation, but at what cost? Biden needs to recognize that its unqualified support is not without consequences – for the region's stability, for America's standing in the international community, and for his own political future.

To cure Israel of its 'cakeism,' the U.S. needs to assert its influence more robustly. To be blunt, President Biden, in the words of the late Madeleine Albright, needs to grow some cojones.

To be clear, this doesn't mean withdrawing American support but redefining it. Biden needs to switch from being the perennial godparent to a role of a responsible guardian who knows when to draw the line by redefining its role as enabler to a catalyst for lasting peace. It's a challenging path, but one that the U.S., with its considerable influence and commitment to democratic ideals, is uniquely positioned to lead.

Here's a thought: How about attaching some modest strings to those billions of dollars in security assistance, not to tie Israel’s hands, but to ensure they are used in a deliberate manner that aligns with broader strategic goals, including the reduction of civilian casualties and the facilitation of humanitarian aid.

Or using that veto power at the U.N. Security Council to send a message louder than diplomatic whispers? Shielding Israel from global criticism is a short-term strategy that could lead to long-term isolation. Instead, the U.S. should guide Israel towards greater accountability and cooperation with international norms and expectations, but at the same time encourage more constructive engagement from international bodies, which often favor Palestinians.

This isn’t just about managing the daily war. The U.S. must leverage its diplomatic clout to push for meaningful engagement towards a two-state solution. This involves not just backroom discussions but also public diplomacy, making it clear that unyielding support for Israel does not equate to a blank check and must foster long-term peace along with short-term tactical gains.