Gaza (Washington Insider Magazine)—Dissent is increasing within the Biden administration regarding its Gaza policy, highlighted by the recent resignation of Tariq Habash, a Department of Education official, and a letter signed by over a dozen campaign staffers calling for a ceasefire and conditional military aid to Israel.
“It’s pretty extraordinary levels of dissent,” stated Josh Paul, a career official in arms sales at the State Department who resigned in protest last month. He noted that many colleagues are contemplating their own resignations. “I am hearing in recent weeks from people who are thinking more seriously about resigning.”
Habash, the first political appointee from the Biden administration to resign publicly, expressed his concerns in an open letter. “I cannot stay silent as this administration turns a blind eye to the atrocities committed against innocent Palestinian lives,” he wrote, criticizing the administration for not pressuring Israel to cease its collective punishment tactics in Gaza and for repeating “unverified claims that systemically dehumanize Palestinians.”
In a separate action, 17 current Biden campaign staffers anonymously called for a ceasefire and the conditioning of military aid to Israel. Their letter urged the president to take concrete steps to end the root causes of the conflict, including “apartheid, occupation, and ethnic cleansing.” One organizer stated, “We know we’re not alone in this, and there is a very big coalition asking for the same thing.”
This dissent is not isolated. In October, a group of administration officials staged a vigil outside the White House in support of a ceasefire, and over 500 alumni of Biden’s presidential campaign signed an open letter advocating for the same. Many current State Department officials, fearful of repercussions, have filed dissent memos to voice their concerns.
Some political appointees and career staffers prefer to remain anonymous while expressing criticism of the administration’s approach, as they try to create change from within. They assert that the president’s Middle East strategy is heavily influenced by the White House, often disregarding expert recommendations.
In response to Habash’s resignation, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged the right to voice dissent. She and the State Department deferred inquiries to the Department of Education, whose spokesperson wished Habash well in his future endeavors.
To address internal dissatisfaction, Biden’s advisers have organized listening sessions at the White House and State Department. Emily Horne, a former Biden White House spokesperson, remarked, “It’s a sign of strength that an administration not only hears but welcomes dissent from within.”
Despite the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has claimed over 22,000 Palestinian lives, Biden’s administration has shifted some of its rhetoric to emphasize civilian protection. This week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to the Middle East to reinforce the importance of safeguarding civilian lives in Israel and Gaza.
However, the administration faces criticism from Arab and Muslim Americans in government, who feel their concerns are not being taken seriously. Jasmine El-Gamal, a former Defense Department official, commented on this sentiment.
Paul noted that several government employees are considering resigning over the administration’s handling of Israel. “If there was universal healthcare, there would be more people willing to resign,” he remarked, highlighting the reliance many have on their jobs for medical benefits.
Habash’s resignation, alongside the campaign staff letter, raises concerns that Biden may be alienating critical segments of his base as the 2024 election approaches. Former Obama officials and political commentators have also become openly critical of Biden’s policies, with campaigners noting a decline in volunteer support and voter confidence among longtime Democratic supporters.
Currently, the dissent does not appear to be influencing Biden’s policies or those of his close advisers. A former official downplayed the significance of these criticisms, stating that they only gain traction when they affect domestic politics or electoral concerns.
Habash hopes that his departure prompts Biden to reconsider his Gaza policy. “Our elected officials are not in touch with their base and their voters,” he cautioned.