Throughout its 75-year history, the State of Israel has always been forced to fight with one arm tied behind its back.
In the 1956 Suez Canal crisis, pressure from both the United States and the Soviet Union forced Israel and her allies to withdraw from the Sinai Peninsula, thwarting Israel’s war aims. After Israel’s 1967 victory in the Six-Day War, the U.N. Security Council called on Israel to give up the territory it secured by right of conquest.
In the 21st century, Israel has repeatedly faced intense pressure from misguided leaders around the world, including here in the United States, to moderate, limit or abandon its justified and necessary military goals of ending terrorism in Gaza.
But now, for the first time, Israel is engaged in a war without any significant restraints imposed by outside powers. Unlike previous conflicts, Israel’s Arab neighbors have declined to mount any kind of tangible opposition to Israeli military action, a lingering benefit of improved relations that developed as a result of the Trump-Pence administration’s efforts, which culminated in the groundbreaking 2020 Abraham Accords. In addition, the Russians have their hands full with their disastrous war in Ukraine and China has no intention of backing Iran or its proxies if push comes to shove. The European Union, as always, is feckless and impotent.
Israel also enjoys more strategic flexibility than ever before as a result of strong global partnerships, a powerful economy and an advanced technology sector. A robust defense industry has not only made Israel more self-sufficient than ever before but also made it an exporter of military equipment.
Taken together, Israel’s improved regional relations, strong global partnerships, technological superiority and thriving defense industry give it unparalleled freedom of action.
Ironically, the only power left that can force Israel to slam the brakes on what should be a swift march to victory is not her enemies, but her greatest friend—the United States. Unfortunately, the Biden administration seems intent on micromanaging, second-guessing and undermining Israel’s defense strategy in order to appease radical left activists in the Democratic Party.
The goal of U.S. foreign policy should be the development of strong, stable, self-sufficient allies who are capable of protecting themselves and our common interests. That’s exactly what we have in Israel. Rather than restraining our ally, the Biden administration should flex its political muscle to create an international chorus of voices demanding the safe, unconditional and immediate release of the more than 100 Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza. Then U.S. President Joe Biden must encourage Israel to take every action necessary to eradicate terrorists and restore the regional stability we enjoyed just a few short years ago.