For us here in Israel, this statement by President Biden during the Democratic National Convention was the essence of his speech: “Folks, I’ve got five months left in my presidency. I’ve got a lot to do. I intend to get it done”. The President was referring to steps designed to establish his historical legacy.
During the run-up to the elections and at a time when Republicans control the House of Representatives, it is not possible to make major domestic changes. President Biden will therefore utilize his remaining months in office to establish his legacy in foreign affairs, where he can act without Congressional approval (except regarding expenditure and treaty ratification). He will attempt to leave his impression in the two areas that are now most relevant, Ukraine and the Middle East.
The Democratic Convention was broadly compared to its tempestuous forerunner in 1968, in the same city and in a similar political situation. In the midst of a bloody war that was tearing America apart from within, President Lyndon Johnson withdrew from the race and was replaced by Vice-President Hubert Humphrey.
This time, Democratic activists and administration officials wanted to avoid a repeat of the demonstrations which then raged in the streets and therefore tried to generate optimism over the chances of a deal designed to bring an end to the war in Gaza, even though such optimism may not have been fully justified.
But the Convention ended successfully both within its own confines and with relative calm outside and the critics of the "Uncommitted" movement had no influence on the Convention or its outcome.
(Biden lands in Israel after October 7)
Biden is now free to take firm action against Netanyahu's intransigence over a hostage deal because it is the right thing to do for both American interests as well as for Israeli and Palestinian interests. Netanyahu has now squandered the American credit he may have held for too long.
After the illusory vote in the cabinet, on staying on the Philadelphi Corridor, despite Defense Minister Galant's firm opposition to it and the horrific news about the murder of the six hostages, the coming days might well be Netanyahu's last chance to show that he is interested in a deal, before he finds himself under the speeding wheels of Biden's legacy drive that the President appears to be determined to achieve in his last months in office.
President Biden's withdrawal from the race has freed him from campaign constraints, such as incessant phone calls with AIPAC donors. As someone imbued with a strong sense of American history, he can now take measures that could well place him among the most significant American presidents.
Determined action, as befitting the leader of the free world, will help elect Kamala Harris on November 5. By removing stumbling blocks before her entry into the White House on January 20 he can provide her with a sound foundation for the future.
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Vice President Kamala Harris might end up being Biden's most enduring legacy
(Photo: Harris for President campaign)
Even if Trump wins, the period between the elections and the swearing-in ceremony will allow Biden to promote a foreign policy that will become a legacy that cannot be distorted. He must learn the lessons from the damage created by Trump's withdrawal from the nuclear deal with Iran, which was a major highlight of Obama's foreign policy.
In the face of Netanyahu's insistence on remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim Corridor, despite the army's position that substitutes for them can be found, the Administration should begin exacting a steep price.
Washington should give Europe and international bodies the green light to advance further sanctions on individuals and organizations. Finance Minister Smotrich and Minister for Internal Security Ben-Gvir should be added to their already sanctioned friends and collaborators. This process could also culminate in the issuing of ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu.
Nadav TamirPhoto: Tal ShaharThe Administration will remain committed to the State of Israel and to its security, but should act openly to show that it has had enough of its extremist government. President Biden must not allow the coming months to pass without proving to himself and to the rest of the world that he has done everything in his power to extricate the region from an unending cycle of horror.
Both President Biden and Vice-President Harris are committed to Israel's security, and the Administration will continue sending submarines and aircraft carriers to the Middle East. But this uncompromising commitment to Israel's security also enables them to take steps against the government, which both they and the majority of Israelis understand undermines Israel's security.
For liberal Israelis who yearn for a future that includes security through political arrangements, a replacement for Hamas rule in Gaza, a regional alliance against Iran and its proxies and a path toward extricating the country from a potential bi-national catastrophe, Biden's ability to act forcefully against Israel's extremist-messianic government provides both hope and encouragement.
- Nadav Tamir is J Street's Israel executive director
First published: 13:06, 09.07.24