J Street welcomed Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s trip to the Middle East this week, as the Biden Administration seeks to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, reach political solutions to end the increasingly devastating wars in the Strip and Lebanon and prevent an all-out war with Iran.
In the coming days and weeks, it is of the utmost urgency that the Biden Administration continue to work with US allies in the region to pull every lever within reach to rein in Netanyahu – and all parties to the conflict – and pull the whole region back from the brink.
We agree with Vice President Harris that – with Hamas decimated and its leadership eliminated – now must be the moment to seal a deal that brings the remaining hostages home, halts the catastrophic war, surges humanitarian aid into Gaza, and de-escalates regional tensions. It is essential that tactical wins be leveraged to conclude the war and pursue a plan that ends the intolerable suffering in Gaza and delivers Israelis and Palestinians the long-term safety, freedom and self-determination they deserve.
Instead of doing everything in his power to end the wars, Prime Minister Netanyahu seems determined to continue the fighting without clear goals. Meanwhile, he continues to embolden extremist ministers in his government sowing chaos in the West Bank and beyond, with agendas and actions that run counter to US and Israeli security interests and oftentimes violate international law.
Just this week, numerous cabinet ministers from Netanyahu’s Likud and far-right parties joined a “Resettle Gaza” conference near the Gaza Strip – even as residents of communities targeted on October 7 protested outside the conference and called for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace.
The J Street community is horrified by continued distressing stories of death and destruction in Gaza. At this moment, we are particularly alarmed by the impact of the near-total siege of the north, where the World Food Program has warned 400,000 Palestinians are at risk of famine. These conditions have drawn international concern at the perceived implementation of ‘The General’s Plan,’ including from Secretary Blinken.
We reiterate our support for the letter issued by Secretaries Blinken and Austin earlier this month that set a 30-day deadline for Israel to allow for necessary humanitarian access to assist families in desperate need of food, medical attention and so much more – or face clearly communicated consequences that could include military aid restrictions in accordance with US law. That deadline expires on November 12. We agree with Secretary Blinken that steps taken thus far are entirely insufficient and urge the Administration to outline clear, meaningful steps it will take to compel action.
The Netanyahu government’s pattern of pursuing “total victory” and undercutting diplomatic resolutions must not be allowed to repeat itself in Lebanon, leading to another strategic quagmire of pain and suffering for millions of people. We echo Secretary Austin’s concerns about civilian casualties in Lebanon, and the scale of airstrikes in and around Beirut in particular. Only a political solution – including much stronger international enforcement – can prevent further civilian harm, return displaced families on both sides of the border to their homes, and prevent the risk of spiraling, endless conflict.
For the sake of Israelis and millions of civilians across the region, it is critical that the US, its allies and regional partners apply consistent and consequential pressure on the Netanyahu government and other relevant players to end the wars in Gaza and Lebanon – and avoid a potential all-out war with Iran – at all costs.