Restraint in the Middle East conflict: White House defends “quiet diplomacy”


Restraint in the Middle East conflict
White House defends “quiet diplomacy”

The violent conflict between Israel and Palestinians in the Gaza Strip continues – and so far US President Joe Biden has been noticeably reticent. Criticism comes from political opponents, but also from within our own ranks. The White House is now defending the so-called “silent diplomacy” approach.

The US government has defended its approach to the Middle East conflict against criticism. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the government believes that “quiet, intense diplomacy” can do the most at the moment. In the past week, government officials, from President Joe Biden to lower levels, had more than 60 discussions with representatives of Israel, the Palestinians and many partners in the region. There were many conversations “behind the scenes”. There are not public announcements on every aspect of these diplomatic efforts.

Despite international efforts to achieve a ceasefire, the conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants from the Gaza Strip continues. In many places, calls had recently been made that Biden’s government should do more to find a solution to the conflict. The US government has not yet explicitly joined international calls for a ceasefire.

Domestically, too, Biden comes under pressure on the issue, partly from the Republicans, but partly from his own ranks. On Sunday, a group of more than two dozen Democratic senators issued a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.

When asked why the US government was not also publicly demanding such a step, Psaki emphasized that the primary goal was to de-escalate and end the violence. From the point of view of the US government, the most constructive approach at the moment is to hold talks behind the scenes and to promote “silent diplomacy”.

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