The United States has raised alarms over Israel's growing diplomatic isolation, a situation that has been further complicated by recent international recognitions of Palestinian statehood. Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, articulated these concerns during a White House briefing on Wednesday. His comments followed the announcements by Ireland, Spain, and Norway to recognize a Palestinian state, a move that has shifted the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Sullivan's remarks come at a time when the Biden administration and Congress are grappling with the International Criminal Court's (ICC) decision to seek arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. The ICC's prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced on Monday that he was pursuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three senior Hamas figures: Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismael Haniyeh.
At the briefing, Sullivan acknowledged the growing number of voices, including traditionally pro-Israel countries, that are shifting their stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that such developments are concerning to the US because they do not contribute to Israel's long-term security or vitality. "The increasing diplomatic isolation of Israel is a matter of concern for the United States. It does not contribute to Israel's long-term security or vitality," Sullivan stated.
Sullivan suggested that Israel could address its diplomatic isolation by focusing on defeating Hamas and engaging in direct negotiations for a two-state solution. He reiterated President Biden's stance on the issue, stating that the US supports a two-state solution and believes it should be attained through direct negotiations between the parties. "A negotiated agreement is essential for achieving a two-state solution that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians," Sullivan emphasized.
The US national security adviser also criticized Israel's decision to withhold funds from the Palestinian Authority in response to the recognition of Palestinian statehood. He argued that this move was strategically wrong as it destabilizes the West Bank, undermines the search for security and prosperity for the Palestinian people, and withholds funds for basic goods and services to innocent people. "Withholding funds from the Palestinian Authority destabilizes the West Bank and undermines the search for security and prosperity for the Palestinian people," Sullivan noted.
The Biden administration's concerns reflect a broader apprehension about the shifting dynamics in the Middle East and the potential implications for US foreign policy. The recognition of Palestinian statehood by Ireland, Spain, and Norway marks a significant shift in international attitudes towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. These developments underscore the importance of a negotiated two-state solution and the need for continued diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The US has expressed significant concern over Israel's increasing diplomatic isolation, emphasizing the importance of a negotiated two-state solution and criticizing actions that destabilize the region. The Biden administration continues to advocate for direct negotiations between Israel and Palestine to achieve a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
