Staff Reports
Joe Biden has apparently decided that being an ally to Israel is really just a matter of saying “no” when it comes to defending their interests. Recently, as tensions escalate between Israel and Iran, Biden expressed his disapproval of any potential Israeli airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. This is a notable shift considering that Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has credibly suggested that he might take matters into his own hands to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat. Alas, the Biden administration’s “support” for Israel might best be described as sleeves rolled up but hands firmly in pockets.
Reports are surfacing from the Australian Strategic Policy Institute indicating that Israel has its sights squarely set on Iran’s nuclear capabilities. If anyone believes that Iran is sitting idly by without making significant advancements in its nuclear program, one should remind them that the clock is ticking. Iran is reportedly on the brink of obtaining enough highly enriched uranium to construct five nuclear bombs. While there is some debate about the timeline needed for full weaponization, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. It seems that the Biden administration is more interested in diplomacy than in acting decisively against this looming threat.
Biden says he opposes Israel destroying Iran’s nuclear weapons sites as tensions grow: ‘Answer is no’ https://t.co/MTqTOl7XvY pic.twitter.com/1TAzgtp13D
— New York Post (@nypost) October 2, 2024
The U.S. has had a clear stance for decades: Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Yet, here we are, with Biden essentially placing a “no trespassing” sign in front of Israel while Iran appears to be building a nuclear arsenal behind closed doors. Without UN oversight at these facilities, it’s difficult to gauge just how close Iran may be to achieving its nefarious nuclear ambitions. The absence of accountability raises serious questions about the effectiveness of international monitoring.
Recent skirmishes only underscore the deteriorating situation. With Israeli soldiers facing off against Hezbollah and taking casualties, one has to wonder how much longer Netanyahu will wait for U.S. approval to act. Just as Biden’s answer to the question of possible military action was a decisive “no,” Netanyahu may conclude that relying on the U.S. for support is little more than a bad bet. America’s inaction could just be the green light for Israel to handle the crisis unilaterally. After all, who better to deal with a rogue regime than the nation that has lived under its threats for decades?
In the grand geopolitical game of chess, it appears Biden has placed his pieces clumsily, while Netanyahu seems ready to make a bold move. The specter of a nuclear Iran is not just about Israel’s security; it’s a global concern that stirs fear among allies, including Russia and China. Both countries have everything to lose if Iran becomes the proud owner of a nuclear arsenal. In the end, while Biden may continue to spout his “support” from behind a microphone, it is increasingly clear that for Israel to protect itself, it may need to act without the hand-wringing advice from Washington.
