Republicans in Congress concerned Biden admin trying to erode Israeli control over its capital
A tourist photographs a sign painted on a wall in the West Bank biblical town of Bethlehem (Getty Images)
The Biden administration is facing scrutiny from Congressional Republicans who believe it is quietly working to undermine Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem. These concerns arise from the ambiguity surrounding the White House’s February executive order, which imposed sanctions on Israelis accused of human rights abuses in the West Bank. The order’s vague wording, referring only to the “West Bank,” leaves open the possibility that Jews living in Jerusalem could be targeted with punitive measures.
While the executive order does not explicitly mention Jerusalem, it could potentially include areas of East Jerusalem. This raises concerns about the United States’ recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s undivided capital, a policy established during the Trump administration. The State Department and the White House National Security Council have declined to clarify whether the sanctions apply to Jerusalem, further fueling Republican concerns.
Republicans in Congress worry that the administration’s ambiguous stance on Israel’s borders reflects a shift in its position. This situation also highlights the administration’s challenge in balancing its support for Israel with pressure from far-left activists within the Democratic Party. These activists have been urging President Biden to soften his stance on Israel since the Hamas terror attack that resulted in numerous casualties.
Senator Tom Cotton has requested clarification from the White House regarding the executive order, giving the administration a week to respond. He seeks answers on whether Jerusalem is considered part of the West Bank and which specific areas within Jerusalem are affected by the order.
According to a senior Republican congressional aide, the intentionally vague nature of the sanctions allows the Biden administration to avoid accountability for its actions. By creating uncertainty, the administration can restrict Jewish activity across Israel and its territories without explicitly rejecting Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem.
Recent reports suggest that additional sanctions on West Bank Israelis will be introduced in the coming weeks. The initial round of sanctions was announced earlier this month, following pressure from anti-Israel activists within the Democratic Party. Critics view these sanctions as an attempt to appease these activists and pressure Israel into a ceasefire with Hamas.
In announcing the sanctions, President Joe Biden cited evidence of extremist settler violence, forced displacement, and property destruction in the West Bank. He declared a national emergency to address these threats to peace, security, and stability in the region.
How can the Biden administration address the concerns brought forth by Congressional Republicans and the pro-Israel community while pursuing a two-state solution in the Middle East
Ation. Republican lawmakers argue that any attempt to erode Israeli control over Jerusalem undermines the historic significance of the city to the Jewish people and threatens the stability of the region.
Jerusalem holds immense cultural, religious, and historical importance to multiple faiths. For Jews, it is the holiest city, housing the Western Wall and the Temple Mount. Christians regard it as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, while Muslims revere it as the third holiest city after Mecca and Medina, hosting the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
Recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was a major policy shift during the Trump administration, breaking away from decades of international diplomacy. The decision demonstrated strong support for Israel within the Republican Party and elicited praise from conservative leaders, both in the United States and abroad.
However, concerns have been raised that the Biden administration’s actions may signal a departure from this stance. The ambiguity of the executive order and the inclusion of the “West Bank” without further clarification create uncertainty about the United States’ position on Jerusalem’s status. Some Republicans believe that this lack of clarity could be a deliberate attempt to undermine Israeli control over the city.
Republicans in Congress argue that any erosion of Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem jeopardizes the prospects for a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a strong and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and its right to determine its own capital. They contend that recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital was not only a reflection of historical facts but also a crucial step towards a peaceful resolution in the region.
Moreover, they argue that any attempts to undermine Israel’s control over Jerusalem will embolden radical elements within Palestinian society and further destabilize the already volatile Middle East. By questioning the status of Jerusalem and potentially subjecting Jewish residents to punitive measures, the Biden administration risks adding fuel to the fire and impeding progress towards a two-state solution.
The concerns expressed by Republicans in Congress represent a broader sentiment within the pro-Israel community, both in the United States and abroad. Advocates for Israel argue that Jerusalem’s status as the capital of the Jewish state is non-negotiable and should not be undermined or called into question. They maintain that any attempts to erode Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem are not only detrimental to Israel’s security but also to the prospects of a lasting peace in the region.
As the Biden administration continues to navigate its foreign policy agenda in the Middle East, it will need to address these concerns brought forth by Congressional Republicans and the pro-Israel community. Clarifying the language and intent of the February executive order would go a long way in assuaging fears and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to Israel’s right to determine its own capital.
Maintaining a strong and unwavering alliance with Israel is crucial not only for the stability of the region but also for the United States’ own national security interests. As the Biden administration moves forward, it must carefully balance its pursuit of a two-state solution with the recognition of Israel’s legitimate rights and security concerns. Failure to do so risks further exacerbating tensions in the region and hindering progress towards a lasting peace.
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