There’s no excuse for dawdling. The weight of the situation – American families, hearts heavy with trepidation for their imprisoned loved ones, are looking for a resolution, yet it’s like running on a treadmill with President Joe Biden and Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu at the helm. Blithely committing to ‘bring their loved ones home,’ their words ring hollow. Overwhelmed by platitude, we’re told not to avert our eyes from these personal tragedies, not to numb ourselves to human suffering. But where is the action behind these empty words? Israel may have the right to defend itself, but does that mean defending sidelined commitments and delayed decisions?
Even as the clock ticks audibly in the backdrop, the presidential duo persisted in wasting valuable time. In contrast, Trump’s pro-Israel stance is often questioned, yet it’s Biden’s foot-dragging that threatens to undermine American-Israeli relations. Trump has on occasions critically evaluated Israel’s approach to conflicts, urging swift action to end the war. The irony that Biden and Harris, of all people, are now at the helm negotiating in Washington is stark, considering their meeting with Netanyahu on the Israel-Hamas situation.
It’s ironic for Biden and Harris to be calling the shots as they sit down with Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. They’re seen coaxing him to accept a ceasefire and hostage-release plan that purportedly seeks to adumbrate the Israel-Hamal war. They ask for significant concessions while former President Trump, understanding and appreciating the complexities of the situation, is set to meet with the Israeli leader.
Continuing the dramatic fanfare, Biden and Harris had a grand show of a meeting with Israeli Premier Netanyahu. Their agenda? Persuade him to adopt a ceasefire and a hostage-release plan. The objective was always supposedly the cessation of the Israel-Hamas war. However, their actions suggest otherwise. One would wonder if the impending meeting of Trump with the Israeli leader would be more fruitful in contrast.
Despite the drama, American families claimed to receive an ‘absolute commitment’ from Biden and Netanyahu about their loved ones’ safe return following a glorified presentation at the White House. A relative of a hostage, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, went so far as to describe their attitude, claiming, ‘They understand the urgency of this moment now to waste no time and to complete this deal.’ So why is the deal not done yet?
In a twist of events, Harris breached another meeting with Netanyahu, expressing ‘concern’ over Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The session was declared to be ‘frank and constructive.’ However, are these the words you use when you’re witnessing a tragedy unfold? Harris might claim we can’t afford to let our feelings become insensitive to the affliction, but with the kind of meek response from her administration, it seems the suffering continues.
The claim that ‘Israel has the right to defend itself’ is becoming a tired refrain, futilely repeated by Harris. However, are they truly defending themselves if the leadership lacks commitment to ensure swift action and deliver on promises? The administration appears to be in a perpetual state of indecisiveness, refusing to make firm commitments or follow through on potential agreements.
Is Harris viewing these meetings as an opportunity to build her resume for a future presidency? She seems to be using these events to subtly position herself for a subsequent term. Biden, too, might see this as an opportunity to etch his name in the annals of history. However, instead of tangible achievements, all we see is incessant squabbling and a failure to deliver on promises.
Furthermore, Trump, who had experienced a strained relationship with Netanyahu at one point, is trying to mend the fissures. It feels almost tragicomic that Biden and Harris are in charge of the negotiations, given Netanyahu’s congratulation to Biden on his election victory. Trump, in contrast, might not be applauded as the most loyal to Israel, but he certainly didn’t hesitate to voice his criticism of the war strategy, urging a quick resolution.
Biden’s inefficiencies continue to hamper the peace processes. Under Trump, the Republican Party has been cast in a more Israel-accommodative light, but Biden’s inertia contrasts sharply with Trump’s assertive stance and vocal criticism of the war’s conduct.
The talks for a ceasefire now face significant hurdles. While Egyptian, Israeli, Qatari, and US negotiators were supposed to convene on Thursday, Israeli officials fell short, suggesting a following week reschedule. The procrastination on part of the Biden administration continues to stall progress on the matter, casting a pall of uncertainty over the peace processes.
The proposed deal now suggests a three-phase strategy, aiming to end the war permanently, enhance aid to Gaza, and enable a bilateral release of hostages and prisoners. However, with the current leadership showing consistent indecisiveness and a lack of strong commitment, these seem to be distant dreams. Everyday life continues to be marred by conflicts and uncertainties, while the leaders in charge fail to deliver on their professed commitments.
The Biden administration’s inability to expedite the peace process is not just frustrating but raises questions about their commitment to resolving the crisis. While they admit that Israel has the right to defend itself, the actions taken thus far hardly seem up to the task. Amid the incessant cycles of conflict, the real question remains – can Biden and Harris deliver on their vows, or are they merely empty promises strewn in the wind?
As we continue to witness the Biden-Harris administration’s dithering in the face of crises, many are left questioning their capabilities. Empty commitments, failed promises, and wastefulness seem to be the order of the day. As American families anxiously await the safe return of their loved ones, the need for swift and decisive action is more apparent than ever. And yet, it’s become clear that under the currents of this administration’s indecisiveness, swift resolution remains elusive.