The longstanding alliance between the United States and Israel is showing signs of strain as clashing interests over the Gaza conflict come to the forefront. While traditionally offering unwavering support to Israel, the U.S. has recently issued rare condemnations of Israeli military operations in the region.
In a statement on Wednesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel expressed deep concern over the situation. “We deplore today’s attack on the UN’s Khan Younis training center,” he said, marking a notable shift in Washington’s tone toward its key ally in the Middle East.
U.S. President Joe Biden has also cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against repeating mistakes made by the U.S. following the 9/11 attacks. Despite these warnings, Israel has intensified its military assaults in Gaza, leading to a mounting death toll and increasing international scrutiny.
The core of the tension lies in the fundamental question: Who will rule Gaza? Netanyahu has publicly rejected the notion of Palestinian sovereignty in post-war Gaza, insisting that Israel will maintain “overall security responsibility” in the area for an indefinite period. This stance contrasts sharply with Washington’s calls for a sustainable and just resolution to the conflict, which would likely involve some form of Palestinian self-governance.
Further complicating matters, allegations have surfaced regarding Israel’s past policies toward Hamas. Josep Borrell, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, claimed that “Hamas was financed by the Israeli government in an attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority.” Such assertions highlight the complex and often contradictory strategies that have shaped the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the years.
Netanyahu’s current approach suggests a preference for a decisive military solution. “Israel must fight until it achieves complete victory,” he declared, signaling a reluctance to engage in renewed peace talks or consider a two-state solution. This posture raises concerns in Washington, where there is growing unease about the long-term implications of continued conflict for regional stability.
The diverging perspectives between the U.S. and Israel underscore the fragility of their alliance when strategic interests do not align. As the conflict in Gaza continues, the international community watches closely, aware that the outcomes will have significant repercussions not only for the Middle East but potentially for geopolitical dynamics worldwide.
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Clashing interests determine fragility of U.S.-Israel alliance
cgtn.com
