US Policy on Palestinian Issue Remains Unchanged Post-Gaza War
In the wake of the recent Gaza conflict, former US officials have expressed a consensus that American foreign policy regarding the Palestinian issue is unlikely to change, regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris emerges victorious in the upcoming elections. During a discussion on Al Jazeera 360, former State Department official Nabil Khoury highlighted the minimal differences between the Democratic and Republican parties regarding their stance on Israel, emphasizing a 'blind loyalty' to the nation from both sides.
Khoury noted that since the assassination of former Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, serious attempts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict have dwindled, with the establishment of a Palestinian state becoming increasingly improbable. He cited the complete destruction of Gaza and the Israeli right's relentless expansion as significant barriers to peace. Khoury criticized both potential presidential candidates, asserting that Trump's administration would provide increased support for Israel while Harris would be unable to confront the Israeli lobby effectively.
Challenges Ahead for US Administration
Adam Clements, a former director of policy and strategy at the US Department of Defense, underscored the uncertainty surrounding Harris's policies in the Middle East. He suggested that any future administration must adopt a strategic approach to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape, which includes the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine and tensions with China. Clements pointed out that rebuilding Gaza and addressing the humanitarian crisis will be critical issues for the next administration.
Masoud Boulos, representing the Arab Americans for Trump movement, acknowledged the significant opposition to the Gaza war, particularly within the Democratic Party. He noted that Trump's approach promotes openness and alliances with Arab nations, distinguishing between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Meanwhile, Sameh Al-Hadi from the Democratic Party Central Committee emphasized the Arab community's efforts to limit the use of American weapons against civilians in the conflict, advocating for a more balanced approach to the Palestinian issue.
- Former US officials have ruled out any significant changes in US policy on the Palestinian issue in the aftermath of the Gaza war, regardless of whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris wins the upcoming elections. The consensus among these officials is that both the Republican and Democratic parties exhibit a strong loyalty to Israel, limiting the potential for a diplomatic resolution in the near future. Nabil Khoury, a former State Department official, stated that the last serious attempt to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict occurred during the Bill Clinton administration. Since then, the prospect of establishing a Palestinian state has diminished significantly, especially following the destruction of Gaza and the ongoing Israeli territorial expansion. Khoury criticized Trump's potential presidency as likely to provide additional support for Israel, while he believes Harris would also not take significant action against the Israeli government. He pointed out that both candidates lack a clear strategy to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into a ceasefire. Adam Clements added that the effectiveness of any future US administration's policies in the Middle East will depend on the leadership within US government institutions. He emphasized the importance of strategic thinking over tactical responses to the multitude of global challenges. The Arab American community's response to the Gaza conflict is also noteworthy, with voices from both sides of the political spectrum expressing concern over US involvement and the humanitarian crisis in the region. Boulos and Al-Hadi highlighted the complexities faced by the Democratic Party in addressing the concerns of Arab Americans, particularly amidst growing dissatisfaction with the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the situation.
