The Biden administration's approach towards Israel is undergoing a significant shift as tensions with Hezbollah escalate, PJ Media reported.
The U.S. military leadership has warned Israel not to expect American assistance if a full-scale war erupts with Hezbollah, raising concerns about U.S. support for its ally and potential risks to American forces in the region.
Initially, President Joe Biden expressed strong support for Israel following the Hamas attack on October 7. This position, however, faced backlash within his party, leading to a tougher stance on Israel.
The Biden administration has since taken actions that indicate a shift in policy, including sending aid to Hamas and withholding weapons from Israel. These measures suggest a changing dynamic in U.S.-Israel relations.
On Monday, Gen. C.Q. Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a stark warning to Israel. He indicated that U.S. assistance might not be forthcoming if a war with Hezbollah erupts.
Gen. Brown's concerns stem from the potential for escalating tensions to develop into a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which could have broader implications for U.S. forces in the region.
Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in low-level skirmishes since last fall. Gen. Brown emphasized the potential dangers of operations extending into Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based.
"Think about the second order of effect of any type of operation into Lebanon (where Hezbollah is located), and how that might play out and how it impacts not just the region, but how it impacts our forces in regions as well," Gen. Brown stated.
Despite the increasing tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed the possibility of a diplomatic solution while affirming Israel's readiness to tackle necessary challenges. "I can assure the citizens of Israel that if we are required to take on this challenge, we will do it," Netanyahu said.
Gen. Brown also mentioned that the U.S. might not provide the same level of military assistance as it did during the Israel-Iran conflict in April. During that conflict, Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles into Israel, which were successfully intercepted by U.S. and Israeli forces.
The potential for Iran to support Hezbollah in a conflict with Israel is a significant concern. Hezbollah's proximity and short-range rockets pose a substantial threat, as they are difficult to intercept.
Critics of Biden's administration suggest that the shift in stance may be influenced by the more antisemitic factions within his party and an attempt to appease Iran. Biden's attempts to restore the Iran nuclear deal and unfreezing billions of dollars for Iran add to these concerns.
The Biden administration's initial support for Israel has shifted due to internal political pressures. The U.S. has taken tougher stances, including sending aid to Hamas and withholding weapons from Israel. Gen. C.Q. Brown's warning about potential U.S. non-assistance in a Hezbollah conflict raises concerns about regional stability and the safety of American forces. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute in addressing the challenges while open to diplomatic solutions. The evolving situation highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
