New Book Details Biden Administration's Internal Debates Over Israel Policy
A new book alleges that former US President Joe Biden misled Senator Bernie Sanders to delay a vote on arms deals, shedding light on the inner circle that shaped Washington's policy during the war in Gaza.
A new book by journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed, titled "Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors, and Israel’s War in Gaza", reveals behind-the-scenes details about the Biden administration's policy following the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, 2023. According to the book, former US President Joe Biden called Senator Bernie Sanders in an attempt to persuade him to delay a vote against arms deals with Israel, while allegedly misleading him during the conversation.
The book, based on nearly 175 interviews with administration officials and other sources, highlights the small circle that shaped US policy towards Israel: Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Middle East envoy Brett McGurk. Ahmed writes that this inner circle dismissed warnings from other officials and experts regarding civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Internal Disputes and Policy Decisions
The author claims that Jake Sullivan privately doubted whether Palestinians in Gaza were actually facing starvation. A spokesperson for Sullivan rejected the claim, emphasizing that he publicly acknowledged the suffering and directed government lawyers to ensure US actions complied with the law. The book also details how Brett McGurk defended Israel's military approach, comparing it to US tactics in the fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
Regarding pressure on the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the administration ultimately opted for mild measures, such as sanctions against four settlers in the West Bank, rather than halting weapons shipments. Despite Biden previously declaring a major operation in Rafah as a "red line," military assistance continued after Israeli forces entered the city, with Blinken playing a crucial role in maintaining this position.
Legal Concerns and Post-Election Outlook
Ahmed notes that toward the end of their term, high-ranking officials discussed whether the US could be considered complicit in war crimes, reflecting deep internal anxieties. The book also touches on former Vice President Kamala Harris, stating she listened to a distress call from a young Palestinian girl killed in Gaza but did not alter her political stance, viewing the issue primarily through the lens of domestic electoral politics.
Donald Trump, who assumed office as the 47th President of the United States in January 2025, later reversed the temporary freeze on heavy bombs implemented in the final months of the previous administration.
