August 23, 2024

The October 7 Hamas onslaught was a shock to Israel, but also to Washington because with the Abraham Accords, it seemed that the US could put its Middle East troubles behind and focus on its strategic competition with China and the war in Ukraine. Which power or powers could convince Israel of the need with growing urgency to put a stop to the current fighting? None other than the US, one would think. However, as I said in my last post, Prime Minister Netanyahu knows that no matter who is in the White House, he can manage Washington’s Middle East policy more than Washington can steer his conduct in the Gaza Strip. Moreover, with his appeals for a ceasefire, it appears now that President Biden is asking for a favor from Mr. Netanyahu, not the opposite.