Arshad Mahmood Awan

Due to the critical importance, there is a need to delve into the complex and controversial issue of US military and security assistance to Israel, analyzing the strategic logic underpinning this policy. It argued that while the US prioritizes defending Israel’s security and territorial integrity, the current strategy needs to be re-evaluated in light of its limitations and unintended consequences.

1. The Imperative of Securing Israel:

There is a need to highlight the central tenet of US policy: ensuring Israel’s existence and security as a nation-state. This stems from the historical experience of Jewish persecution and the need for a safe haven. The US believes that without a secure territory, no nation can effectively protect its citizens and national interests. This logic also draws parallels with the struggles of other stateless groups like the Kurds, emphasizing the importance of territorial integrity for self-determination and national identity.

2. US National Interests and the Fight against Terrorism:

Furthermore, the critics argue that the US considers defending Israel’s security as crucial to its broader national interests. This is based on two key factors:

• Defeating Global Terrorism: Israel is seen as a key partner in the US-led war on terrorism, particularly against jihadist groups. By providing military and security assistance, the US aims to strengthen Israel’s ability to combat terrorism and prevent attacks on its soil and abroad.
• Promoting Democracy and Stability: The article suggests that the US views a stable and secure Israel as essential for promoting its broader goals of spreading democracy and stability in the Middle East. This aligns with the US vision of creating a more peaceful and prosperous region.

3. Limitations and Unintended Consequences:

The critics acknowledge the limitations and unintended consequences of the current strategy, raising important questions:

• The Cycle of Violence: The article argues that Israel’s overwhelming military superiority prevents the Palestinian population from effectively defending itself, perpetuating a cycle of violence and resentment. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability of this strategy and its impact on achieving lasting peace.
• The Definition of Terrorism: The article criticizes the narrow definition of terrorism that focuses solely on non-state actors while overlooking the potential for state-sanctioned violence. This lack of accountability for actions like military incursions in Gaza undermines the legitimacy of the fight against terrorism and creates a double standard.
• The Palestinian Narrative: The article emphasizes the need to understand the Palestinian perspective and address their legitimate concerns. This includes acknowledging the historical injustice they have faced and recognizing their right to self-determination and a viable state of their own.

4. Alternative Strategies and the Two-State Solution:

There is a need to call for a critical reevaluation of the current strategy and urges the international community to explore alternative approaches that address the root causes of the conflict. This includes:

• Negotiating a Two-State Solution: The article emphasizes the importance of reviving the two-state solution as the most viable path towards achieving a lasting peace agreement. This requires both sides to make compromises and address legitimate security concerns.
• Ending the Cycle of Violence: The article calls for a ceasefire and immediate steps to de-escalate the violence. This includes holding both sides accountable for human rights violations and ensuring the protection of civilian populations.
• Promoting Regional Cooperation: The article argues that fostering regional cooperation among Middle Eastern countries is essential for long-term stability and peace. This requires addressing underlying political and economic grievances that fuel conflict.

5. The Role of Pakistan:

The critics criticize the Mullahs Convention on Palestine in Pakistan for its narrow and religious perspective on the issue. It calls for a more objective and nuanced approach that analyzes the conflict from a geopolitical and historical perspective. This requires engaging in open and honest dialogue, challenging biased narratives, and promoting critical thinking about the complex realities of the conflict.

Summing up, The strategic logic behind US military assistance to Israel is based on several factors, such as:

• The historical and ideological ties between the two countries, which share common values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
• The mutual security interests and threats in the Middle East, where Israel faces hostile neighbors, such as Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, and other militant groups, that seek to undermine its existence and stability.
• The regional and global influence and leverage that Israel provides to the US, as a reliable and capable ally, a source of intelligence and technology, and a partner in counterterrorism and peace efforts.
• The domestic political and public support for Israel in the US, especially among the Jewish and Christian communities, the Congress, and the media, that shape the foreign policy agenda and decisions.

In the context of the present Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, the US military assistance to Israel has increased and intensified, as the US seeks to:

• Support Israel’s right to self-defense and deterrence against the unprecedented and massive attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in more than 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the abduction of hundreds of Israelis.
• Replenish Israel’s stocks of munitions and interceptors, especially for the Iron Dome system, which has intercepted thousands of rockets fired by Hamas from Gaza, and prevent Israel from running out of these critical assets.
• Provide Israel with additional military equipment, such as F-35 fighter jets, precision-guided bombs, and drones, to enhance its offensive and defensive capabilities and operations.
• Deploy a second US carrier strike group and scores of aircraft to the region, to demonstrate the US commitment and solidarity with Israel, and to deter any potential intervention or escalation by Iran, Hezbollah, or other actors.
• Assist Israel with intelligence, planning, and consultations, especially on hostage recovery efforts, by sending a small special operations cell to Israel, and sharing satellite imagery and other information.
• Facilitate a diplomatic solution and a ceasefire, by engaging with Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and other regional and international partners, and by supporting the UN Security Council resolutions and initiatives.

There is a need for the US to reconsider its unconditional military and security assistance to Israel. It is critical that pursuing genuine and lasting peace requires recognizing the Palestinian narrative, addressing their legitimate concerns, and finding a viable solution that meets the security needs of both sides. Only through a comprehensive and balanced approach can the cycle of violence be broken and a lasting peace be achieved in the Middle East.

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