The recent executive order signed by President Joe Biden, which aims to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has sparked a public rift between the US and Israel. The order calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, known as a “two-state solution,” which the US believes is vital for long-term stability in the region. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected the idea, leading to a clear disagreement between the two leaders.
Biden and White House not very pleased
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The tension between the US and Israel has been building in recent weeks, with the White House acknowledging last month that the two governments “clearly see things differently” when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This disagreement has dampened hopes that the conflict could result in Israeli and Palestinian leaders restarting diplomatic negotiations and kickstarting the dormant peace process.
The Israeli government’s response to the executive order was swift and dismissive, with a statement from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office describing the majority of West Bank settlers as “law-abiding.” The statement went on to say that Israel takes action against all law-breakers everywhere, and therefore there is no need for unusual measures on the issue. This response was seen as a rebuke to the US and its efforts to address the conflict.
The public rift between the US and Israel has been a long time coming, with the two allies having disagreed on a number of issues in recent years. The Israeli government’s continued construction of settlements in the West Bank has been a major point of contention, with the US viewing the settlements as an obstacle to peace and Israel seeing them as a necessary part of its national security.
Israel growing impatient of Two-State solution?
The two-state solution has been a cornerstone of US policy in the Middle East for decades, with successive administrations advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel. However, the Israeli government has been increasingly opposed to the idea, with many politicians and citizens viewing the West Bank as an integral part of Israel.
The Trump administration’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv was seen as a major shift in US policy, and was met with widespread criticism from the international community. The move was seen as a blow to the peace process and a sign that the US was no longer committed to a two-state solution.
The Biden administration has sought to reverse this trend, with President Biden reiterating his commitment to a two-state solution during his recent visit to Israel. However, the Israeli government’s response to the executive order has made it clear that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges.
US and Israel history
The US and Israel have a long history of diplomatic and military cooperation, with the US providing significant financial and military aid to Israel each year. However, the recent disagreement over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has raised questions about the future of this relationship.
Some experts have suggested that the US and Israel may be heading towards a “showdown” over the conflict, with the US potentially taking more drastic measures to pressure Israel into accepting a two-state solution. However, others have cautioned against such a scenario, noting that the US and Israel share a strong strategic partnership that goes beyond the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The US has a number of options at its disposal to pressure Israel into accepting a two-state solution, including the use of economic sanctions or the withholding of military aid. However, such measures would likely have significant consequences for the US-Israel relationship and could potentially destabilize the region further.
In the coming weeks and months, the US and Israel are likely to engage in intense diplomatic efforts to find a way forward that works for both sides. The US has made it clear that it is committed to a two-state solution, but Israel has equally made it clear that it is opposed to such a solution.
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