In a recent interview at the Biden campaign headquarters, Senator Chris Coons discussed the ongoing aid for Israel and the possibility of new leadership in the country. While acknowledging that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been a challenging partner, the Senator hesitated to call for a change in Israel's elected leadership, respecting the country's democratic process.
Senator Coons has consistently voiced his support for a two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the importance of Palestinians having hope and prospects for self-governance. The Senator noted that every time President Biden and other high-level officials engage with the Netanyahu cabinet, the Prime Minister often takes positions that differ from those held in Washington, creating difficulties in maintaining a close alliance and partnership.
Nevertheless, Senator Coons mentioned that the Israeli government recently announced a significant troop withdrawal from Gaza, signaling a potentially positive development towards deescalation.
When confronted with the suggestion by Senator Bernie Sanders to condition aid to Israel based on the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu, Senator Coons expressed his discomfort with such a measure. He believed that conditioning aid on a change in leadership would not align with his principles, despite recognizing the United States' ability to exert leverage in the situation.
However, Senator Coons emphasized the importance of sending forceful messages, both publicly and privately, to Israel regarding critical policy matters. He cited instances where the Biden administration denounced certain remarks made by members of Netanyahu's cabinet that advocated for removing Palestinians from Gaza, as well as instances of settler violence in the West Bank. These strong statements align with the administration's commitment to the protection of civilians and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution in the region.
The Senator applauded President Biden's efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict and stressed the need for a partner who is aligned with the United States' objectives. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the increasing difficulty in achieving this when the Israeli government's actions and statements diverge from American policy positions.
Senator Coons' measured and diplomatic approach showcases the United States' commitment to its relationship with Israel as a close ally, while also highlighting the importance of striving for common goals and values. The Senator's words reflect the Biden administration's position on Israel and its dedication to finding constructive ways to address policy disagreements.
