Samantha Power’s Refusal to Meet with Israeli Ambassador Until Ceasefire Reached
Samantha Power (Alex Wong/Getty Images)
A senior Biden administration official made a bold move during the 2021 conflict between Israel and Hamas. According to internal government emails obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, Samantha Power, head of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), declined to meet with Israel’s ambassador until a ceasefire was reached with the Iran-backed terror group.
The request for a meeting came in May 2021, when Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups were launching missile attacks against Israel in response to a court ruling that evicted six Palestinian families from an East Jerusalem neighborhood. However, Power insisted that Israel must first achieve a ceasefire with the Palestinian terror groups before she would agree to a meeting.
This behind-the-scenes diplomatic drama sheds light on the United States’ use of back channels to pressure Israel into ending its offensive against Hamas militants. These tactics may once again come into play as the Biden administration pushes for an end to the current conflict with the terror group.
Internal documents reveal that a scheduler in Power’s office wrote in a May 18 email that ”The Administrator [Power] would like to take the meeting with the Ambassador [Erdan] but wants to hold until there is a ceasefire or resolution to the currently [sic] escalation of the conflict.” The White House National Security Council also approved a meeting between Power and the Israeli ambassador, but Power ultimately rejected it.
Power’s decision to delay the meeting with a top Israeli official is seen as evidence of the Biden administration’s policy to pressure Israel during conflicts with Palestinian militants. This approach has raised concerns among critics who believe the administration is appeasing far-left elements within the Democratic Party.
While the State Department declined to comment on the 2021 incident, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been actively involved in pressuring Israel to reach a ceasefire. Blinken has accused Israel of “dehumanizing” Palestinians and imposed sanctions on Israeli Jews accused of violence against Palestinians.
Power herself has faced criticism in the past for policies viewed as anti-Israel. As the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama, she allowed the passage of a resolution condemning Israeli settlement construction. In her current role at USAID, Power has worked closely with the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), an organization known to collaborate with Hamas.
Despite revelations of UNRWA’s involvement with Hamas, Power is working to resume funding for the agency. During a visit to Michigan, she reportedly stated that the Biden administration will continue supporting UNRWA.
What is the significance of Samantha Power’s insistence on a ceasefire before engaging in diplomatic discussions, and how does it reflect the Biden administration’s approach to resolving the conflict and achieving a two-state solution
Of diplomatic leverage to push for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Samantha Power, a seasoned diplomat and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has been a vocal advocate for human rights and is known for her strong stance on addressing humanitarian crises. Her refusal to meet with the Israeli ambassador until a ceasefire was reached demonstrates the Biden administration’s commitment to prioritizing peace and stability in the region.
Power’s decision to withhold a meeting with the Israeli ambassador may be seen as a departure from traditional diplomatic protocols. Typically, meetings between diplomats from friendly nations are seen as routine and necessary for maintaining open lines of communication. However, in this case, Power’s refusal to meet serves as a symbolic statement. By placing conditions on the meeting, she sends a clear message that the United States expects Israel to take steps towards de-escalation and a peaceful resolution with the Palestinians.
The 2021 conflict between Israel and Hamas highlighted the ongoing tensions and deep-rooted issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem, combined with years of discriminatory policies and unequal treatment, fueled anger and frustration among Palestinians. Hamas, taking advantage of this situation, launched a barrage of rocket attacks into Israel, resulting in an escalation of violence and numerous casualties on both sides.
Samantha Power’s insistence on a ceasefire before engaging in diplomatic discussions is a reflection of the Biden administration’s approach to resolving the conflict. President Biden has expressed his commitment to a two-state solution, with a secure Israel coexisting alongside a viable Palestinian state. Achieving a ceasefire is a crucial first step towards creating an environment for renewed negotiations.
Power’s decision also underscores the importance of addressing the underlying issues that perpetuate the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While a ceasefire is necessary to halt immediate hostilities, it is not a long-term solution. Sustainable peace can only be achieved through addressing the root causes of the conflict, such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. By prioritizing a ceasefire, Power sends a message that the United States is committed to engaging in a comprehensive and inclusive peace process that addresses the concerns and grievances of both Palestinians and Israelis.
The refusal to meet with the Israeli ambassador until a ceasefire is reached may invite criticism from some who argue that it disrupts the normal channels of communication between allies. However, it is important to remember that diplomacy is not just about routine meetings and pleasantries. It is about exerting influence and leveraging relationships to promote peace, human rights, and the well-being of all parties involved.
Samantha Power’s decision to prioritize a ceasefire before engaging in diplomatic discussions with Israel highlights the Biden administration’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By withholding a meeting, Power seeks to use diplomatic leverage to push for de-escalation and a renewed focus on a two-state solution. While not without controversy, her actions demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing one of the world’s most complex and long-standing conflicts. It remains to be seen how her stance will impact future negotiations and the overall peace process in the region.
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