Do Biden Administration Seeking De-escalation Or Driving Middle East War?

While holding an ice cream cone, US President Joe Biden stated in February, 2024 that a ceasefire in Gaza was “close” and could happen within days.

However, more than seven months later, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have not only persisted but have also escalated, with Israeli forces invading and bombing Lebanon as tensions rise throughout the Middle East.

The Biden administration has consistently called for de-escalation while simultaneously offering political backing to Israel and a continuous supply of munitions to support its military efforts. It has largely endorsed Israel’s aggressive actions this year, including the targeted killings of Hamas leaders in Beirut and Tehran, the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, and the incursion into southern Lebanon.

As the situation in Gaza worsens and spreads regionally, the disparity between US statements and actions is growing.

This raises the question: do the Biden administration merely unable to restrain Israel, as many liberal analysts have argued? Or is it actively contributing to the escalation, using the turmoil to push a more aggressive stance against Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah?