Biden’s New Approach to Middle East Policy and Israel-Palestine Relations

President Joe Biden's approach to the Middle East and the Israel-Palestine conflict has been widely discussed, especially given the significant policy shift compared to his predecessor, Donald Trump. While Biden has made efforts to keep the flames low, many analysts argue that his approach, much like his predecessors', is insufficient and unlikely to bring lasting peace.

Insufficient Conflict Resolution Techniques

Former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu succinctly summarized the complexity of the Middle East when he commented, 'The Middle East is not the Middle West.' This statement highlights the region's unique challenges, which include deep-seated historical, cultural, and religious differences, making peace a daunting task.

Biden's administration has largely maintained the same stance on Israel as previous administrations by affirming Israel's right to defend itself. However, it is clear that the internal party dynamics and the political climate have shifted, creating a complex landscape for Biden's policymaking.

Promising Peace Without Fulfillment

Biden's primary aim in the Middle East appears to be maintaining stability and preventing major escalations. While this is a commendable goal, it is a far cry from resolving the deep-seated conflicts and tensions between Israel and Palestine. Critics argue that Biden's efforts will remain limited to "virtue signalling" rather than bringing about a substantive and lasting resolution.

Biden's Critique from His Base:

One of the main challenges for Biden is maintaining the support of his base, which includes a strong pro-Israel lobby. To do so, he will likely have to criticize Israeli actions, particularly in Gaza. However, this approach does not address the root causes of the conflict and is unlikely to foster a genuine resolution.

Maintaining U.S. Support:

Another aspect of the Biden administration's policy is maintaining U.S. support for Israel. Five Islamic countries have recognized Israel due to Trump's policies, and some Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, have eased some policies towards Israel. Biden needs to balance these strategic interests with the growing criticism from within his own party.

Prospects for a Two-State Solution

Many analysts believe that a two-state solution, which was a cornerstone of Barack Obama's Middle East policy, remains unlikely under Biden. The Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, has essentially doomed the possibility of a two-state solution by failing to engage constructively with the Israelis. While there is a slim chance that Hamas' defeat could revive talks, the likelihood of this happening in the near future seems low.

Bidens Perspective:

President Biden has publicly stated his commitment to the two-state solution, but his true stance may be more nuanced. Critical of both Israel and Palestine, Biden's approach is driven by a desire to preserve U.S. interests in the region, rather than achieving a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.

Conclusion:

While Biden has taken steps to manage tensions in the Middle East, the underlying issues remain unresolved. His primary goal will likely be to maintain stability and prevent major conflicts. However, this approach may not satisfy those seeking a more comprehensive resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The true test of Biden's Middle East policy lies in his ability to navigate the complex balance of regional alliances and internal party dynamics while addressing the root causes of the conflict.