The Biden Administration’s Vision for Postwar Gaza Remains Firm Despite Netanyahu’s Rejection of Palestinian State
In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Biden administration has remained steadfast in its vision for a postwar Gaza Strip. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of a key element of their plan – the establishment of a Palestinian state – the White House is determined to pursue its goals. At the same time, they are also working towards brokering a normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, which would have significant economic and security implications for the region.
Netanyahu made his stance clear during a nationally broadcast news conference, insisting on Israeli security control over all of the Palestinian territories. He stated, “This collides with the idea of sovereignty. What can you do?” However, the National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, brushed off Netanyahu’s remark, stating, “We believe that the Palestinians have every right to live in an independent state with peace and security.”
The Biden administration has been increasingly vocal in pressuring Israel to scale back its offensive in Gaza. They have emphasized the need for a pathway to a two-state solution, stating that without it, Arab countries will not be involved in rebuilding Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Israeli leaders that they must make hard decisions themselves if they want their Arab neighbors to contribute to their lasting security.
The U.S.-Israel rift comes as more details emerge about the Biden administration’s push for a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, stated that they want to see normalization tied to a political horizon for the Palestinians. This approach is an extension of the Trump administration’s Abraham Accords, which secured normalization with some Arab states. However, Biden’s approach adds a political horizon for Palestinians.
U.S. officials and lawmakers have been meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in recent weeks, with the goal of reaching a framework to end the Israel-Hamas war and work towards Palestinian self-governance in Gaza. Sullivan outlined four principles guiding the U.S. vision for a postwar Gaza: preventing the enclave from becoming a launch pad for terror attacks on Israel, fostering peaceful relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors, establishing an independent Palestinian state, and providing security assurances for Israel.
While Netanyahu and far-right members of his government have dismissed the idea of a Palestinian state, the escalating costs of the military campaign and waning international support may push Netanyahu to seek an exit strategy. Normalization with Saudi Arabia could be seen as a political win for the embattled prime minister, who is facing corruption trials and charges of failing to prevent the attack by Hamas despite warnings from Israeli intelligence.
However, experts believe that it is U.S. pressure, rather than the carrot of normalization, that would make a difference in ending the war quickly. While Riyadh is interested in a normalization deal, they have suspended talks due to the mounting Palestinian deaths that have inflamed the Arab world. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that normalization can only happen with a Palestinian state and that a cease-fire is a starting point for peace.
Despite international calls for a cease-fire in Gaza, Washington remains opposed, arguing that it would allow Hamas to regroup. The Biden administration’s focus is on achieving their vision for a postwar Gaza, which includes an independent Palestinian state and security assurances for Israel.
In conclusion, the Biden administration remains committed to its vision for a postwar Gaza Strip, despite Netanyahu’s rejection of a Palestinian state. They are also working towards brokering a normalization agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia. While there are challenges and differing opinions, the U.S. is determined to pursue its goals and bring about lasting peace and security in the region.
