ISREALI AND THE US/WEST GOVT’S CAUGHT IN OWN MESS

 

ISREALI AND THE US/WEST GOVT’S CAUGHT IN OWN MESS

The US of A is now unsure of what it wants and what it should do. Issue: Israel.   While it openly assisted Israel, when that Jewish state displaced lakhs of Palestinians and took over half their lands, during the last decade, even took over Jerusalem (Trump was first to approve) while  the UN kept quiet. The consequence of this was obvious. Retaliation in abundance, in a manner a "back to the wall" nation could.  Hamas did that two months back and took all by surprise. Israel went on a rampage.  unplanned and with revenge in mind. Leading to huge humanitarian issues. Thousands of lives lost, millions displaced, many dyeing due to lack of food and water   and hundreds of Israelis kidnapped. There seems to be a stalemate.

Suddenly, public opinion in US changed. The election season meant polls. These polls surprised Democrats, including Biden.  Large numbers of voters found US not doing enough to control Israel. Even 19% opted to select " undecided" for Biden in primaries, mainly due to the Israeli actions

So, Biden changed track. Media like CNN, Fox, NYT, WP etc and BBC taking a cue,   followed. Israeli atrocities were now on TV and on front pages within no time. US senators criticising Israel. Politicians responding to public pressure in a democracy. Suddenly, these people started shedding tears on the plight of Palestinians!! Political pandits expressed anguish.
Don't be mistaken. US politicians and Govt or their counterparts in EU or UK, has no sympathy for Palestinians They are looking at their own fate in elections. Trump and Republicans criticise Biden, though what they want is unclear to them.
But now Israel does not listen. Pokes a thumb at Biden. On the other hand, Netanyahu is in trouble at home. Public opinion has shifted from quite support to impatience and now to anger at the way Netanyahu has handled the attacks, his poor success so far on objectives and the non-return of kidnapped Israelis. He is in a bind. Israel   has a coalition where the extreme right wing has a huge say and they led the response to the Hamas attack. Without an end game plan. Netanyahu now cannot control them; he has public against him and the US is arm twisting him.  He cannot allow Aid trucks in massive scale that is needed, as that means ceasefire and that would mean Hamas will regroup. Nice mess to be in!!!
Meanwhile, EU took notice of this change in US stance. People in Germany, France Italy, Sweden etc protested Israeli atrocities.  Many asked for stop of weapon sales to Israel.  Govts responded. with criticism of Israeli actions.
UN security council found its voice and managed to pass a resolution condemning Israel for not allowing aid supply to people. Wording suitably crafted to include kidnapping of Israelis and their return, to please the US.
All because public support for Israel vaned away. People felt Israel went too far.
But none question their governments for not stopping Israel, during last ten years, from confiscating land of the Palestinians and thus creating this huge humanitarian crisis.

This is what happens when Jingoism and 56" flexing is attempted , in today’s world. 

Everyone knew the Palestinians were never a serious threat to Israel existence, if Israel behaved. The Arabs too were happy to find a solution. Russia was not interested to get into the mess. Only Iran was willing to back Hasibullah of Lebanon who in turn helps Hamas.
A two state solution, Israel, and Palestine, with fair demarcation of land, could have been the way forward earlier. But a world where no one cared about Palestinians, Arab world divided or bought over by US unable to act, would means Israel will get what it wants. Poor appreciation of history?

What will happen now?
If good sense prevails, the world gets a few statesmen like leaders, the extreme right wing across many countries is reined in, then the two-state solution could still be the only solution. A tall ask.  Till then some quick fix deal will be brokered by US till the elections are over. The conflict will continue after that in tranches as earlier.