Biden’s Military Aid Package Raises Concern for Peace Negotiations with Israel and Ukraine

The recent $95 billion military aid package signed by President Joe Biden has the potential to hinder negotiations towards peaceful resolutions in conflicts involving Israel and Ukraine if it encourages them to pursue unwinnable goals of complete victory rather than focusing on achieving a negotiated settlement, writes Mark Hannah. The funds provided could motivate both countries to continue fighting for justice instead of settling for peace as they cannot achieve their desired outcomes through military means alone. While Biden has stated that the US won’t dictate to Ukraine and Israel what they should do, it also gives America leverage over these nations which can be used in a responsible manner to push them towards negotiations rather than further conflict. The author suggests using this influence by conveying to both countries that their current strategies are unlikely to succeed and undermine regional security, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to continue with the destruction of Hamas as it could lead to catastrophic successes for Israel in terms of civilian devastation fuelling further radicalization among Palestinians. In Ukraine’s case, Biden should have enforced restrictions on military aid or materially supported diplomatic efforts instead of sending long-range missiles that may signal an upcoming attack against Crimea where American involvement also gives the country some say in steering events. Although US intervention can be seen as a form of interference by these nations’ sovereignty, it is necessary to protect America’s interests while respecting their agency at the same time. The author cites historical examples such as Henry Kissinger pressuring Israel during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 and urges Biden to take a more responsible stance with Netanyahu today rather than continuing support for his destructive goals without any added conditions, which could lead to an all-out Israeli victory that would be disastrous from America’s point of view. The author concludes by stating that negotiated settlements are often morally unsatisfying but strategically necessary as the US must ensure it is taken seriously and not let radicalization take root across borders at their cost alone while keeping sight of the most peaceful pathway towards resolution in these conflicts, which could be achieved through negotiations rather than further military action.