In a major development, the US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, is meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other top leaders to discuss the ongoing tension in Palestine. This follows President Joe Biden and Benjamin Netanyahu's public disagreement over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, reflecting growing concern over the safety of innocent Palestinians.
US officials have urged Israel to be more precise in carrying out its military operations. President Biden has also suggested Israel may need governmental changes but clarified that any such transition would be determined by the Israeli people, highlighting Israel's democratic vibrancy.
While the US commendably supports Ukraine in its struggles, the same level of support does not appear directed to Israel, despite it being the oldest ally of the US in the Middle East. Emphasizing Israel’s battle with a terrorist organization worse than ISIS, there are expectations that Biden will stand with Israel without reservation.
President Biden faces mounting pressure from the far-left wing of his party who are pro-Palestinian. Also, Vice President Kamala Harris may be encouraging President Biden to pay more attention to the situation in Gaza. Among other pressing matters, Israelis have been charged to not use Palestinian civilians as human shields and rather, squarely put the blame on Hamas for its atrocities against Israel.
In a related development, President Putin’s year-long address (which remarkably, felt more like an hour), talked extensively from his viewpoint. He addressed the detention of American citizens, namely, Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, and Paul Whelan, an American businessman held since 2018. Putin confirmed ongoing dialogue with American partners about the detainees but gave no indication of an immediate release.
Vladimir Putin's administration appears to be using the detention of American citizens as a negotiation tool against the US. The Biden administration recently offered Putin a proposal for the exchange, which was rejected. However, the talks continue in the hope that a resolution can be achieved soon. As the holiday season approaches, concerns and hopes for the return of these detainees before Christmas have heightened.
