Experts agreed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to exacerbate the situation and obstruct reaching a deal, in addition to his support for Republican candidate Donald Trump, are irritating the US administration.
Regarding the US administration’s decision to withdraw aircraft carriers from the Middle East, political science professor Dr. Hassan Ayoub called for linking this to what was issued 3 days ago by US President Joe Biden, who said, “Netanyahu is not doing enough to reach a deal.”
He added during the episode (6-9-2024) of the program “Gaza… What’s Next?” that this decision indicates that America wants to “shake the stick” a little in the face of Netanyahu, who wants to exacerbate the situation – according to Washington’s vision – which may push Iran to return to the field and respond again.
Benjamin Friedman, an expert on security and defense policy, agreed with Ayoub, saying that Netanyahu had been openly opposed to the Democratic Party since the administration of former President Barack Obama, and he is doing so again now. He added that Netanyahu wants Trump to return to power and for him to continue building settlements.
Ayoub also pointed out that Netanyahu is conducting an election campaign in favor of candidate Trump, by repeatedly refusing to accept the Biden administration’s initiatives. This is clearly evident – according to Ayoub – in his statements that contradict US administration officials every time they talk about the proximity of reaching an agreement.
Two difficult choices
According to Ayoub, the Biden administration is going through a sensitive political reality and faces two difficult choices: either to exert public and overt pressure on Netanyahu and hold him responsible for obstructing the deal, which could cost it many votes, or to turn its back on the votes of Arab voters and the progressive wing supported by renewed student demonstrations.
He also explained that the escalation of the situation in Gaza and the possibility of a regional escalation of the war affect America’s interests in the region, which Netanyahu is well aware of, and therefore he is working to weaken the Biden administration’s positions in the hope that Trump will win the elections, fulfilling his “wish list.”
He stressed that the actions of the current Israeli government are causing America to lose a lot in terms of its relations, alliances and credibility in the region, and are pushing Washington’s allies in the region to move to defend their interests.
Ayoub pointed out that successive American administrations provided Israel with everything it needed until it became a “determining regional power”, and it began to act according to this logic, explaining that its interests may sometimes be contrary to American interests, and yet it seeks to achieve them.
American prisoners
For his part, Friedman pointed out that the American statements regarding the aircraft carriers can be read within the framework that these military units were sent with the aim of deterring Iran and helping in the event of an attack, while acknowledging that the plan is fundamentally incorrect because it will encourage Israel to cause more problems.
He explained that sending the aircraft carriers was not intended to keep them there permanently, noting that Iran has likely decided not to carry out a major missile strike, and that its response may not require the aircraft carriers to remain there.
Friedman described the talk about Washington’s intention to make a separate deal on American prisoners only as a clear indication of the Biden administration’s dissatisfaction with Netanyahu’s actions, and its growing sense of frustration and inability to use its influence to pressure Tel Aviv to make the deal a success.
He pointed out that Netanyahu’s government cannot tolerate a ceasefire deal and the release of prisoners, because it includes “extremist ministers” in its formation, noting that this can be achieved in the presence of another Israeli government.
Friedman pointed out that Biden himself is stuck in the past, still looking at an Israel that was formed in the past when he was a senator, and has not yet realized the values believed by the “extremist ministers” who participate in the current Israeli government, which contradict what America believes in regarding freedom of expression and liberal principles.