Israel and Hamas agree ceasefire but Gaza crisis tests Biden’s foreign policy priorities
- President Biden came under heavy pressure from progressive Democrats to take on a more assertive role, as well as a stronger line with Israel
- The administration’s more activist tone is a clear departure from the stand-back approach that marked its first few months in office
The focus, one US official said, is on “what would come next, with an eye towards moving beyond the violence … so that we do all we can to minimise the chances that we find ourselves back here in five years or two years”.
He still has shown no immediate interest in plunging into an new bid to revitalise long-dormant peace efforts at a time when most analysts see little or no prospect for successful negotiations.
But there are growing signs of renewed US engagement now that the rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli bombardments appear to have ceased. This occurred after Biden faced heavy pressure to take on a more assertive role – as well as a stronger line with Israel – from progressive Democrats whose support was crucial to his 2020 election victory.