As Jerusalem prepares for a long and difficult fight to restore its security and ensure that the events of last weekend do not recur—and are not the prelude for even worse—it will need to turn to Washington for support. No doubt, some of the most critical support will come in the form of replenishing the IDF’s weapons stocks. But there are other important steps that the U.S. can take. Gregg Roman and Clifford Smith outline some of them:
The escalation of violence prompts the consideration of stringent policy measures aimed at curbing [Hamas’s] aggression and restoring stability in the region. The adoption of a “Dismantle Hamas” resolution represents one such measure. In the face of ongoing crisis, rhetorical support or increased pressure on Hamas proves insufficient. A Congressional resolution calling unequivocally for the eradication of the Hamas threat would signify a paradigm shift, underscoring the United States’ unyielding commitment to Israel’s sovereignty and safety, and to the eradication of threats to Israel and to the wider region.
Yet, Israel’s security is intertwined with regional dynamics, notably the role of Qatar in funding Gaza. While ostensibly aimed at humanitarian relief, the financial aid flowing from this Gulf state has inadvertently fueled Hamas’s militancy. A recalibration of U.S.-Qatar relations is urgent. Measures such as the revocation of Qatar’s Major Non-NATO Ally Status, threatening Qatar’s access to U.S. financial systems, and even the potential relocation of the Al Udeid Air Base, [America’s major air-force base in the region, located near the Qatari capital], hang in the balance as potent levers to enforce a cessation of all funding to Gaza.
In tandem with these international diplomatic maneuvers, a domestic reassessment of aid to Gaza is pivotal. The recent conviction of World Vision’s Gaza Director for siphoning off tens of millions of dollars for Hamas shows that even well-intended USAID funds can easily be used for nefarious purposes. A comprehensive review of aid to Gaza is required. No U.S. aid should reach Gaza’s shores so long as it can be siphoned off by a terrorist organization running a functional military dictatorship, thereby perpetuating the tragic situation it ostensibly seeks to mitigate.
Read more at National Interest
More about: Gaza War 2023, Hamas, Qatar, U.S. Foreign policy, U.S.-Israel relationship