US sees new isolation from Israel support

Despite President Joe Biden's vow that "America is back," the United States is experiencing a notable decline in its international image, primarily due to its stance in supporting Israel amid the conflict with Hamas. While there was a small step back from isolation when the U.S. permitted a UN Security Council resolution on humanitarian aid for Gaza, its decision to abstain from the vote created a rift with some close allies, including Britain, France, and Japan, who backed the resolution. This has contributed to a perception that the U.S. selectively prioritizes certain conflicts, subsequently impacting its global standing.

The recent abstention by the U.S. in the UN Security Council resolution stands in contrast to the voting patterns of some of its closest allies, underscoring a divergence in diplomatic approaches. A week earlier, during a General Assembly vote, the U.S. found itself in the company of only two European partners, Austria and the Czech Republic, voting against a nonbinding ceasefire call in the conflict sparked by an October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel.

The situation has prompted concerns about how the international community perceives the U.S.'s role in conflicts. Leslie Vinjamuri, Director of the U.S. and Americas program at Chatham House in London, notes that the prevailing narrative is that the United States appears to prioritize its concerns for Israelis and Ukrainians but is perceived as less engaged when it comes to conflicts involving brown people, which has unfortunately gained traction.

Unlike his predecessor Donald Trump, who unequivocally supported Israel, President Biden has openly expressed frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel's handling of the Gaza situation, even as the U.S. continues to provide military support and diplomatic cover. While Biden administration officials highlight behind-the-scenes pressure on Israel to ease conditions in Gaza, images of suffering in the region have fueled a narrative that the U.S. is embracing Israel while quietly urging change.

A survey of six Arab publics conducted last month revealed that only seven percent believed the United States played a positive role in the ongoing conflict. Munqith Dagher, Middle East director of Gallup International, pointed out that Washington's reputation has been steadily declining in the Arab world since the Iraq invasion, and the recent events related to Gaza have exacerbated this trend.

While the Biden administration emphasizes its pragmatic approach in dealing with the conflict, focusing on addressing the threat posed by Hamas rather than opting for symbolic gestures like a ceasefire, the administration is aware of the growing public anger. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has defended the approach, stating that the U.S. has done more than any other country to provide assistance to Gaza. However, the situation underscores the delicate balance the U.S. faces in managing its global image and diplomatic relationships in complex conflicts.