The decision by Washington to boost military funding to Israel has prompted the resignation of a US State Department official, who expressed concerns that the US-backed Gaza conflict would further exacerbate the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians.
In a memo posted online, Josh Paul, a director within the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, criticized President Joe Biden’s administration for perpetuating long-standing mistakes made by Washington.
Paul voiced his apprehensions, stating, “The actions taken by Israel, coupled with American support for these actions and the maintenance of the status quo of the occupation, will inevitably result in more profound suffering for both Israeli and Palestinian populations.”
He added, “I am concerned that we are repeating the very same errors of the past decades, and I am unwilling to be complicit in this any longer.”
Moreover, Paul criticized the Biden administration’s “unwavering support for one side,” asserting that it was driving policy decisions that he considered “narrow-minded, damaging, unfair, and in direct contrast to the values we publicly advocate.”
He also acknowledged the moral complexities and compromises within his role, emphasizing his initial commitment to remain in the position as long as he believed the potential good he could achieve outweighed the harm. Paul had been involved in arms transfers to US allies for more than 11 years before his resignation.
