Over the past year, the United States has supplied multibillion-dollar weaponry to Israel, significantly bolstering its military capabilities. This support persisted even as reports and leaked communications revealed concerns within the U.S. government about potential war crimes committed by Israel during its offensive on Gaza following the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. Key figures, such as Dana Stroul, a former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, and Paula Tufro, a senior White House aide, voiced alarms over the humanitarian crisis unfolding due to Israel’s actions.
Despite these warnings, the Biden administration continued its support. The conflict has resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 100,000 injuries, primarily affecting women and children. Additionally, around two million people, or 90% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced.
The U.S. has economically backed Israel with $18 billion in congressional appropriations for weapons, alongside $20 billion announced by the Biden administration, and 600 weapon deliveries in less than a year. This support underscores Israel’s dependency on U.S. military assistance, enabling its prolonged conflict with Palestinians and expansion into Lebanon, with aspirations towards Iran.
Experts argue this unyielding support serves U.S. strategic interests in maintaining a strong ally in the Middle East, counterbalancing regional adversaries like Iran. As U.S. tax dollars fund these efforts, activists and researchers urge peace advocates to use these statistics to push for a ceasefire and reconsideration of U.S. foreign policy.
President Biden’s unwavering policy risks further tarnishing the U.S.’s global image, and, domestically, it leaves room for political rivals, such as Donald Trump, to capitalize on the controversy. Ultimately, the price of this conflict is paid not only by Palestinians but also by American taxpayers whose contributions bolster ongoing military operations.
Original Story https://theshillongtimes.com/2024/10/10/democrats-may-have-to-pay-a-price-in-presidential-polls/
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