Tensions between the United States and Israel reached a boiling point on Monday when Washington permitted the UN to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This move sparked an intense reaction from Benjamin Netanyahu.
The United Nations Security Council vote witnessed the United States abstaining, which resulted in the approval of the first ceasefire resolution following the 7 October Hamas attacks. The chamber erupted in applause upon the successful passage of the vote.
Israel’s prime minister expressed his displeasure by cancelling the scheduled visit of a high-level delegation to Washington DC. He strongly criticized the US, accusing them of “retreating” from what he believed was a principled stance.
In a statement released by Mr. Netanyahu’s office, it was expressed with regret that the new resolution calls for a ceasefire that does not depend on the release of hostages.
According to the statement, the decision represents a significant shift from the consistent stance held by the United States in the Security Council throughout the duration of the war.
President Joe Biden’s administration has faced mounting pressure from both his own party and international allies to take action and rein in Israel’s offensive in Gaza. With the death toll surpassing 32,000 and the population of the besieged territory teetering on the edge of famine, there have been calls for the US to veto the ceasefire vote. However, the administration has chosen not to exercise its veto power, signaling a departure from previous policies.
The decision is expected to escalate tensions between the United States and Israel, as both countries have been openly at odds over Israel’s intentions to launch an assault on the city of Rafah in Gaza. Currently, over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah after being forced to leave other parts of Gaza.
In response to the US opposition to the plan of attacking the city last week, Mr. Netanyahu asserted that the operation would proceed regardless of whether or not the US provides support.
“I aim to accomplish this with the assistance of the United States. However, if necessary, we are prepared to undertake the task independently,” he expressed after a productive discussion with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The United States has rejected three previous United Nations Security Council resolutions that demanded an immediate ceasefire. It notably used its veto power to block a resolution last month, despite support from Arab states. This move made the US the only country among the council’s 15 members to issue a veto. Throughout its history, the US has exercised its veto power 89 times, with more than half of those instances being resolutions that criticized Israel.
In a statement, Mr. Blinken, the US’s top diplomat, expressed disagreement with “all provisions” found in the final text of the resolution. However, he emphasized that the resolution included “adjustments” that align with the US’s principled stance that any ceasefire text should also address the release of hostages.
He stated that this resolution also acknowledges the ongoing, continuous negotiations carried out by the governments of Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and the United States. These negotiations aim to secure the release of prisoners within the framework of a ceasefire. Furthermore, these efforts would allow for increased humanitarian aid to reach Palestinian civilians and pave the way for long-lasting solutions.
Speaking to reporters after the vote, John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Adviser, emphasized that the US abstention did not signify a change in policy.
“We have consistently expressed our support for a ceasefire as part of a hostage deal. Our intention was to reach a point where we could endorse that resolution,” he stated. However, he mentioned that the United States could not support it due to the absence of crucial language, including a condemnation of Hamas.”
Mr. Kirby also expressed disappointment over Mr. Netanyahu’s choice to cancel the planned visit by Israeli officials.
“We’re extremely disappointed that they won’t be coming to Washington DC to engage in a comprehensive conversation with us about feasible alternatives to their deployment in Rafah,” he expressed his disappointment.
During the daily White House press briefing, Mr. Kirby expressed the president and Biden administration officials’ confusion regarding Mr. Netanyahu’s decision. They were perplexed because the resolution was non-binding and did not impose any restrictions on Israel’s right to defend itself.
“The prime minister’s office appears to be suggesting in their public statements that there has been a change in our stance. However, that is not the case – we still have the authority to determine our policy. It seems like the prime minister’s office is intentionally creating the perception of a division that doesn’t actually exist,” he stated. He later emphasized that the US continues to support Israel and is actively equipping them with the necessary resources and capabilities to defend themselves against what both parties acknowledge as a legitimate threat.”
Algeria’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN), Amar Bendjama, emphasized the immense suffering endured by the Palestinian people during his address to the council following the vote. He stressed the urgency of ending this prolonged bloodshed, expressing the collective responsibility to take action before it becomes irreparable.
Just a few days ago, the Security Council was unable to approve a resolution submitted by the US. The resolution emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire, but it did not have the power to legally enforce this demand.
The US had previously linked demands for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza in several resolutions, including the latest one. However, the resolution passed by the Security Council on Monday specifically demands the release of hostages without making it a condition for the ceasefire.
It has been almost half a year since Hamas carried out a surprise attack in southern Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of over 200 hostages. In retaliation, Israel launched an offensive that has claimed the lives of more than 32,000 people in Gaza, as confirmed by Palestinian health officials. Tragically, there have been reports of 27 deaths caused by starvation and dehydration, including the devastating loss of 23 children, as revealed by The Independent.
According to a White House official, it is uncertain whether Mr. Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition government will adhere to the UN Security Council resolution. The official stated that the Biden administration’s interpretation of the resolution is that Israel is not obligated to follow it as it does not impose any legally binding responsibilities on any party. However, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed a contrasting opinion, emphasizing the need for the resolution to be implemented. In a post on X, he described the failure to do so as “unforgivable.”
Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, dismissed any possibility of a ceasefire, stating that the fighting would continue.
“The state of Israel is determined to maintain its stance and will not agree to a ceasefire,” he stated firmly. “Our objective is to eradicate Hamas and we will persist in our fight until every single hostage is safely returned home.”
