President Joe Biden embarks on a crucial diplomatic mission on Tuesday, traveling to Israel and Jordan to express support for Tel Aviv, negotiate humanitarian aid for Gaza, and prevent regional escalation. This trip, viewed as a test of US influence in the Middle East, underscores the complexities of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden will convey his “solidarity” to Israel and then proceed to meet with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. The visit aims to reaffirm the United States’ stance that Hamas does not represent the majority of the Palestinian people, who are also victims of the Islamist group’s actions.
Biden’s trip, lasting approximately a day, is reminiscent of his historic visit to Kyiv in February. However, this time, the journey is not shrouded in secrecy and is met with a more cautious reception. The President, deeply affected by Hamas’s bloody attack on October 7, emphasized Israel’s “duty” to defend itself. The assault claimed 1,400 lives in Israel, according to the country’s authorities.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, subjected to Israeli airstrikes and facing the threat of a ground offensive, poses significant concerns. Biden aims to secure the delivery of foreign humanitarian aid to the enclave, which remains under blockade. In Jordan, he seeks to address Egypt’s reluctance to open its border to civilians fleeing the conflict, with a million Palestinians already displaced within Gaza.
Additionally, Biden aims to deter the pro-Iranian Lebanese movement Hezbollah and, by extension, Iran, from exacerbating the situation. The United States is cautious about the conflict spreading and is preserving resources to address challenges posed by China.
Biden’s trip serves as a test of the “indispensable nation,” a concept embraced by the President. Amid a deeply divided United States and mounting challenges, his ability to navigate this complex crisis showcases both his diplomatic prowess and the challenges of balancing domestic and international demands.