U.S. Struggles to Influence Israeli Actions Amid Escalating Tensions in Lebanon
Despite American diplomacy's persistent efforts over the past year, the United States appears to be losing its grip on influencing its ally Israel as tensions escalate in Lebanon. President Joe Biden has publicly stated his commitment to de-escalation; however, the Israeli government continues to advance its military operations in the region, disregarding U.S. calls for restraint.
Reports indicate that the U.S. has not utilized its primary leverage over Israel—the suspension of arms deliveries. While Biden briefly halted bomb deliveries last May, there is little indication that he will adopt a more aggressive stance as the upcoming presidential elections on November 5 loom large. Observers doubt whether the Biden administration is prepared to implement significant changes in its approach to Israeli military support, especially with the political climate heating up.
In light of these developments, the U.S. has announced the deployment of a “small number” of additional troops to the Middle East to address rising tensions, particularly in Lebanon. Washington has also mobilized military ships, fighter jets, and air defense systems to safeguard both Israel and American forces in the area. Ironically, this announcement came amidst escalating military actions by Hezbollah, which coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Cairo aimed at negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza. Blinken expressed surprise at Israel's plans, stating he had no prior knowledge of the situation.
Frustration in Washington Over Israeli Leadership
American officials have not hidden their dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions, which seem to prioritize his political survival over diplomatic relations with the U.S. Michael Hanna, a program director at the International Crisis Group, noted that American diplomacy had invested heavily in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, viewing it as essential for resolving issues in northern Israel. However, these efforts appear to have reached an impasse, as attempts to negotiate a separation between the Gaza conflict and the tensions with Hezbollah have similarly stalled.
With the U.S. presidential election on the horizon, Hanna suggested that American political considerations may have influenced Israel's timing regarding its military actions, further complicating the already tense situation in the region.
