Officials quit over Biden’s handling of Israel during the conflict in Gaza

Significant symbolic protests against the Biden administration’s handling of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a variety of US government officials have resigned, citing their profound moral objections to America’s support for Israel during its prolonged war in the region.

This wave of departures by U.S. administration officials who accuse President Joe Biden of turning a blind eye to alleged Israeli atrocities in the Palestinian enclave is drawing recognition among Democratic voters but not enough to threaten the political prospects of an incumbent whose challenger is disgraced former President Donald Trump, the rapist and criminal convict who is expected to be the Republican nominee.

Israel’s offensive in Gaza, which began after a deadly attack by Hamas militants on October 7, has resulted in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.

Over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in the ensuing conflict, three quarters of whom were women and children.

Despite the Biden administration’s stated efforts to mitigate civilian casualties and boost humanitarian aid, critics within and outside the government argue that U.S. support for Israel has exacerbated the situation.

Major Harrison Mann, a Jewish-American soldier who served as an official at the Defense Intelligence Agency, announced his resignation on LinkedIn last month.

In his post, he criticized the administration’s “nearly unqualified support for the government of Israel,” describing it as contrary to his values as a Jewish-American.

In a recent interview on Mehdi Hasan’s show, Mann drew parallels between the current plight of Palestinians and the historical persecution of Jews, invoking the Holocaust mantra “Never Again” to underscore his stance.

“I saw in the Palestinians another unwanted population, much like the Jews were in Europe,” Mann stated.

His departure coincided with that of at least seven other officials who have resigned in protest since the conflict began:

1. Josh Paul, former director of the State Department’s Bureau of Political Military Affairs, resigned in October, citing Washington’s “blind support” for Israel.
2. Harrison Mann, who publicly resigned in May after leaving the Defense Intelligence Agency in November.
3. Tariq Habash, a Palestinian American and former special assistant in the Education Department, resigned in January, accusing the administration of ignoring Gaza’s atrocities.
4. Annelle Sheline, former State Department human rights bureau member, resigned in March, decrying U.S. complicity in enabling atrocities.
5. Hala Rharrit, an Arabic language spokesperson for the State Department, resigned in April over Gaza policy.
6. Lily Greenberg Call, a Jewish political appointee in the Interior Department, resigned in May, unable to support what she termed the “Gaza catastrophe.”
7. Alexander Smith, a contractor for USAID, resigned in May, citing censorship after his presentation on Palestinian maternal and child mortality was canceled.
8. Stacy Gilbert, a State Department Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration official, resigned in May, challenging a report she said falsely claimed Israel was not blocking humanitarian aid to Gaza.

On Mehdi Hasan’s show, Mann articulated his and his colleagues’ disillusionment with the administration’s stance, suggesting that many within national security circles share his concerns but fear repercussions for speaking out.

In response to Israel’s military actions, including the recent takeover of Rafah, the UN Secretary-General has warned of a “humanitarian nightmare.” However, Biden remains steadfast in his support for Israel, despite the mounting resignations and growing public disapproval.

Polling data reflects significant American skepticism about the U.S.’s role in the Gaza conflict.

A recent survey by Zeteo and Data For Progress found that nearly four in ten likely voters, and a majority of Democrats, believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

Additionally, 70% of voters support a permanent ceasefire, and a majority oppose increasing military aid to Israel.

Despite those numbers, public opinion remains largely focused on the domestic economy and fears over a potential Trump retui

As the Biden administration grapples with internal dissent and public criticism, the question remains whether it will adjust its foreign policy to align more closely with the evolving sentiments of the American electorate, particularly as the 2024 election approaches.