Biden Administration Struggles to Balance Support for Israel with Commitment to Human Rights and International Law

The Biden administration is facing growing concern over the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, as the death toll among Palestinian civilians continues to rise. This comes after Sen. Chris Murphy, one of the most influential Democrats on foreign policy in the upper chamber, denounced Israel on Thursday for its continuous siege on Gaza that has killed at least 9,000 Palestinians over the span of weeks and led voices around the world to demand a cease-fire.

The president and his top aides have in the past week adjusted the administration’s public message to emphasize concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and some administration officials are worried the U.S. could become more and more isolated on the world stage over President Joe Biden’s close alignment with Israel.

In a statement, Sen. Murphy decried Hamas militants’ Oct. 7 attack that killed roughly 1,400 people in Israel, and maintained his position that Israel has a “right and an obligation to defend itself.” He also noted that the “devastating consequences of this conflict are being felt by innocent civilians on both sides,” and called for an immediate cease-fire.

The Biden administration is now facing a difficult decision as it attempts to balance its support for Israel with its commitment to human rights and international law. The administration is reportedly considering a range of diplomatic options, including a possible United Nations Security Council resolution to end the conflict. In the meantime, the White House is urging both sides to de-escalate the violence and return to the negotiating table.