Biden: "No Excessive Response in Israel-Palestine Conflict"...Backing Israel

Criticism Even from the Ruling Democratic Party

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] As the armed conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas edges closer to full-scale war, the Biden administration in the United States continues to maintain its support for Israel, CNN reported on the 14th (local time).

President Biden, responding to reporters' questions at the White House the previous day regarding the situation, said, "From what I have seen so far, there has been no excessive response," appearing to defend Israel.

He added, "The issue is how to reach a point where indiscriminate rocket attacks on densely populated areas and other assaults are significantly reduced."

This statement is interpreted as reflecting the fact that after Israel cracked down harshly on Palestinian protesters in the disputed area of Jerusalem on the 7th, Hamas responded three days later with rocket attacks on southern Israel demanding a "troop withdrawal." Since then, both sides have exchanged indiscriminate airstrikes, escalating the situation to the brink of full-scale war.

CNN analyzed President Biden's remarks as reflecting the long-standing view of both the U.S. Republican and Democratic parties supporting Israel's right to self-defense against Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization.

President Biden also defended Israel by saying, "If thousands of rockets are fired into your own territory, you have the right to defend yourself."

Even within the ruling Democratic Party, there are voices criticizing President Biden's stance.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized on Twitter, mentioning Israel's eviction of Palestinians, saying, "There is no reflection or context on what has caused this cycle of violence."

Representative Ilhan Omar also criticized the lack of mention of Israel's harsh crackdown on Palestinian protesters and the numerous innocent child casualties, stating, "This is not prioritizing human rights. It is siding with oppressive occupation."

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "It is tragic whenever anyone, including civilians and children, loses their lives. We are clearly aware that the violence is escalating."

Earlier, it was revealed that President Biden pressured Israel to suspend the eviction of Palestinian residents in Jerusalem that triggered the current crisis.

Psaki added, "Our goal is to reduce tensions and work with leaders of other countries who can exert influence on Israel, Palestine, or Hamas to play a crucial role in achieving stable peace."

She explained, "Historically, Egypt, Tunisia, and other key countries have played roles in influencing Hamas," and said the short-term goal is to have these countries deliver messages urging Hamas leadership to ease tensions.