Government overtaken by anti-Israel advisors as President Biden’s leadership falters
President Biden revealed a significant American effort during his State of the Union in March, aiming to provide aid to the Gaza Strip through a $230 million floating pier off the coast of the region, known as the Joint Logistics Over The Shore pier.
However, the operation encountered multiple setbacks, starting with US Army boats breaking free from their moorings within a week, with one boat washing up on an Israeli beach.
Further issues arose when a ship sent to extract the stranded vessel also got beached, leading to the decision to float the pier to Ashdod, Israel, for repairs due to breaking off in heavy seas.
After multiple instances of removing and returning the pier to Gaza due to sea conditions, the entire project faces possible shutdown well ahead of schedule this month.
Even when operational, the aid delivered from the pier piled up on the shore as Palestinians accused the IDF of using the area to extract hostages and commandos, leading to a halt in aid collection.
Overall, the project has been deemed a public failure for the US, as it did not address the intended problem and proved to be ill-suited for local conditions.
As questions arise about the project’s efficacy, doubts loom over the Biden administration’s handling of policies during the Israeli war on Hamas, with critiques on ambition, effectiveness, and alignment with realities on the ground.
US goals have not completely aligned with Israel’s post-Hamas invasion, signaling differing priorities in defining and achieving security interests.
America has emphasized Israel’s international standing, long-term security, and the necessity for a Palestinian state while acknowledging the need for plans beyond immediate military actions to ensure a future beyond the conflict in Gaza.
The White House’s regional concerns, including safeguarding Red Sea shipping routes, resolving Israel-Hezbollah tensions, and fostering Israel-Saudi peace, underscore the urgency for concluding the Gaza conflict to advance broader Middle East objectives.
Meanwhile, Biden’s political imperatives and progressive pressures demonstrate the complexity of navigating US-Israel relations amid regional conflicts and domestic challenges.
While policy successes may exist amidst the tumult, questions persist around the coherence and effectiveness of the US strategy since the conflict’s onset, raising concerns about future directions and outcomes.
As Biden’s leadership faces scrutiny amidst regional tensions and internal divisions, the region braces for ongoing uncertainties, with implications for US-Israel relations, regional stability, and global dynamics.
Decisions in the coming months will shape perceptions of the US role in the Middle East, influencing alliances, conflicts, and diplomatic efforts in a region fraught with complexities and historical grievances.
Reprinted by permission of the Times of Israel.
