Biden pledges billions in military aid to Israel during Gaza conflict

In the context of the ongoing Gaza conflict, which escalated significantly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, the United States under President Joe Biden has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Israel. Over the first year of the conflict, Biden's administration allocated a record-breaking 17.9 billion dollars in military aid to Israel, which included advanced weaponry such as precision-guided missiles, medium-range air-to-air missiles, and F-35 stealth jets. This military support has underscored a long-standing U.S. policy aimed at ensuring Israel maintains its Qualitative Military Edge in the region. However, Biden's support has not come without controversy. While his administration has attempted to balance military assistance with diplomatic engagement—promising to press for the security of Israel and negotiating ceasefire agreements with regional allies like Egypt and Qatar—critics argue that he failed to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to mitigate civilian casualties caused by military operations in Gaza. This has sparked a considerable backlash, leading to accusations that the U.S. is no longer seen as a defender of human rights and international law. The dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations have also evolved within the political landscape of Washington, D.C. Groups like AIPAC continue to exert influence on U.S. lawmakers, complicating efforts by some Democrats to condition military aid based on Israel's actions in the West Bank and Gaza. The debate around military support is intensifying, with an increasing number of legislators advocating for greater accountability in the use of U.S. funds. Despite bipartisan support for Israel, a growing divide is noticeable, especially among progressive members of the Democratic Party who express concern over the humanitarian impact of U.S. aid in active conflict zones. As the situation in Gaza continues to develop, the Biden administration faces significant pressure to strike a balance between political support for Israel and the pressing humanitarian needs of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict. While military aid has thus far been unconditional, upcoming legislative discussions could potentially reshape the landscape, altering the longstanding nature of U.S. support for Israel in ways that reflect the evolving views of American citizens and their representatives.