Biden administration spokesman claims Israel committed war crimes
- Matthew Miller, former U.S. State Department spokesman, accused Israel of war crimes during its conflict in Gaza.
- He emphasized that the U.S. government had not officially concluded that these actions constituted war crimes.
- This internal disagreement highlights the complexities in U.S.-Israel relations during the Gaza war.
In a recent interview, Matthew Miller, the spokesman for the U.S. State Department under President Joe Biden, leveled serious accusations against Israel regarding its military actions in the Gaza Strip. Miller, who served in the Biden administration, expressed his belief that Israel has committed war crimes throughout its ongoing conflict against the Hamas terror organization. While he did not categorize these actions as genocide, he emphasized that there is an undeniable commitment of war crimes by Israel in the current Gaza war. This perspective reveals a significant internal debate within the administration regarding the U.S.'s stance on Israel and its military operations. Miller articulated that although he maintained this view during his tenure as spokesman, he refrained from publicly expressing it as it did not align with the formal position of the Biden administration at the time. He clarified that official statements should reflect the conclusions of the United States government, which has not officially classified Israel's actions as war crimes. This discrepancy highlights the complexities and potential conflicts of interest within U.S. foreign policy as it pertains to its long-established relationship with Israel. Furthermore, Miller has raised concerns about Israel's military judicial system, indicating that it has failed to adequately hold its soldiers accountable for the alleged war crimes. He noted, "We have not yet seen them hold sufficient numbers of the military accountable," reflecting a critical view of Israel's internal mechanisms for justice in military conduct. This assertion aligns with broader international concerns over accountability to international law and ethical military engagement. Amidst this backdrop, Miller mentioned disagreements within the Biden administration over how to manage U.S. relations with Israel following the eruption of violence on October 7, 2023. He indicated that discussions about cutting off military assistance to Israel ensued, particularly regarding large bomb shipments, which were halted due to concerns about their intended use in Gaza. Looking ahead, Miller suggested that the administration may have benefited from exerting more pressure on the Israeli government for an early ceasefire in the escalating conflict, indicating a possible discrepancy between U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian considerations.