President Joe Biden’s administration had high hopes to solidify his legacy as an international statesman at the U.N. General Assembly. However, five days of diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah have yielded little results, further dimming prospects for peace. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected a proposal for a temporary cease-fire and vowed to continue operations against Hezbollah. Israel launched a massive strike on Hezbollah’s headquarters in Beirut, prompting Netanyahu to cut short his visit to New York without meeting U.S. officials. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of diplomacy over conflict but did not openly criticize Israel’s actions.
Critics argue that the Biden administration’s handling of the situation has highlighted American weakness and created an uncomfortable dynamic. Despite urging for a cease-fire, Israel continues to target Hezbollah commanders. Efforts to secure a 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, aimed at reinvigorating Gaza truce talks, were presented at the U.N. Security Council, with the U.S. expressing optimism despite objections.
The White House released the proposal after a spat with France over the timing, hoping for Israeli approval. However, Netanyahu’s rejection shifted the dynamics, with the U.S. lacking contact with him in New York. While Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself at the U.N., reports of Israeli strikes on Hezbollah emerged shortly after. Biden has now ordered a reassessment of U.S. force posture in the region to enhance deterrence and support U.S. objectives. This development underscores the complexities and challenges in navigating the escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
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