What is the US stance on Israel in the wake of President Joe Biden’s Hanukkah speech?
In the latest chapter of the Joe Biden Chronicles, our protagonist boldly donned the cape of a self-proclaimed Zionist superhero during a Hanukkah reception at the White House. Here’s what it means for Israel.
What
In the wake of recent developments, the United States, led by President Joe Biden, has reaffirmed its commitment to supplying arms to Israel in its conflict with Gaza. Biden expressed concern about global antisemitism and applauded the administration's aid efforts for Gaza.
🥴Grandpa Joe's all confused again
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) December 12, 2023
While congratulating Jews on #Hanukkah, the US President said that 65 years had passed since the Hamas attack, mistaking days for years.#Biden recounted how "his father" (who died over 20 years ago) survived the October 7 Hamas attack. pic.twitter.com/5RqLmSper8
However, he cautioned Israel to be mindful of changing global sentiment and urged the dismantling of the Palestinian group Hamas - because apparently, public opinion can shift faster than the time it takes to approve a white phosphorus munitions sale.
Joe and Bibi
Despite occasionally having disagreements with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden revealed the depth of their friendship by reminiscing about a message he wrote in 1973.
pic.twitter.com/AMmorX3BLr
— Isabel Santos 🟧🟦🌊🌊🟦📙 (@Busyisaworkshop) December 12, 2023
Biden at the White House Hanukkah event talked about signing a photo for Netanyahu nearly 50 years ago.
“I was a 32-year-old senator and I wrote on top of it, Bibi, I love you, but I don't agree with a damn thing you have to say. It's about the same…
Biden's speech
In an expected revelation, Biden declared himself a Zionist, boldly asserting that one doesn't have to be Jewish to be a Zionist at the White House Hanukkah celebrations. Without missing a beat, he claimed,
President Biden at the White House Hanukkah party:
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) December 12, 2023
“You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist and I am a Zionist.”
🇺🇸🇮🇱pic.twitter.com/uW3KY7XeFC
ALSO READ: Far-right Polish MP uses fire extinguisher on Hanukkah candles in Parliament, calling it Satanic
Jewish elders
Meanwhile in a recent protest, a group of Jewish elders, armed with black T-shirts reading "Not In Our Name", chained themselves to the White House fence. In a heartwarming display of geriatric rebellion, they chanted,
HAPPENING NOW: Secret service are arresting 18 Jewish elders who chained themselves to the White House gates before the @POTUS Hanukkah Party. They are demanding a ceasefire in Gaza.
— Jewish Voice for Peace (@jvplive) December 11, 2023
Follow @JewishElders for more pic.twitter.com/EZHeQPOPiC
UNGA ceasefire
Most recently, in the United Nations General Assembly, a non-binding resolution demanding an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza passed with overwhelming support from 153 countries, including India. However, the champions of dissent - the United States and Israel - stood unsurprisingly tall in opposition.
In favour: 153
— United Nations (@UN) December 12, 2023
Against: 10
Abstentions: 23
UN General Assembly adopts resolution on the Middle East demanding a humanitarian ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages and humanitarian access. pic.twitter.com/0szWbQQJVb
Ambassadors and diplomats, presumably exhausted from the gripping vote count, burst into applause at the shocking revelation that more countries supported this resolution than the previous one, celebrating this purely symbolic victory over a very real genocide.
The US stance, as indicated by Biden's statements and actions, emphasises continued military assistance to Israel until the removal of Hamas. It doesn't seem like that's about to change anytime soon, despite recent developments.