• bhmnscmm@lemmy.world
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    10 months ago

    Israel relies on American arms. That gives the US a lot of leverage to influence Israeli policy.

      • bhmnscmm@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        You tell me.

        How do you think Israel would respond if American arms were contingent on deescalation? Or at least a change in status quo.

        • Telorand@reddthat.com
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          10 months ago

          They would continue on this genocidal path with their own weapons they already have and ones they already produce locally. This is a holy war, with Netanyahu’s goal being to cling to power. He’s already stated that he doesn’t intend to stop; peace isn’t an option, and I’m inclined to believe him.

          So, Biden simply doesn’t have the power or leverage to stop him, even if we leveled sanctions at them (which would never happen, because they’re still a geopolitical ally). I agree with the general premise that we shouldn’t give them more weapons, but it’s disingenuous and reductive to talk and act like Biden is somehow directly responsible for the war crimes.

          • bhmnscmm@lemmy.world
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            9 months ago

            You’re over estimating the arms manufacturing capacity of Israel. Belgium has an arms industry too, but they’re not capable of suppling themselves in a prolonged conflict. Israel is in the same boat.

            Regardless, we can agree to disagree that using US arms as leverage would work. Maybe leveraging US arms would induce change, maybe not. But why not at least try?

            We both agree that shoveling more arms into the status quo should stop. So why not at least try to induce some change? Even if it doesn’t work, where’s the harm?

            The fact that Biden won’t do that, or at least stop the sale of arms, is a major issue. Is he responsible for Israel? No. Is he complicit? Yes.