So, Biden went to Israel, seemed to do the right things (showed compassion) and seemed to say the right things (expressed support for Israel and attributed the hospital attack to “the other team”). But the question remains: will he stay out of Israel’s way as they attempt to accomplish the goal of eradicating Hamas, or will he cave to international and domestic pressure to press Israel for an early ceasefire, thwarting their ability to regain stability?

I will give credit where credit is due. Biden did not take dramatic action to “take his weapons and go home,” as some accounts seemed to predict. He voiced agreement that the Hamas raid was horrendous and expressed support for Israel. Very importantly, he attributed the bombing of the Gaza hospital to an errant terrorist rocket, though he would not say specifically who fired it. (Islamic Jihad) All those are welcome signs and, I must say, a bit beyond what I expected from Joe Biden.

However, against the growing international outcry of Israel’s “disproportional” response in Gaza, Biden began sliding down the slippery slope of stalling Israel’s plans to take care of business with Hamas. First, Biden pressured Israel to create an “escape corridor” to allow Gazans to flee. Israel quickly capitulated by providing a corridor and sending clear messages for innocent citizens to flee southward from the northern part of Gaza where the IDF would commence their ground attack to eradicate terrorists. Hamas blocked the people from leaving.

Next, the Americans suggested that Israel provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. Netanyahu’s response was that Israel will consider giving aid to Gaza when Gaza releases hostages. (Not happening!) So, Biden turned to Egypt to broker an aid package to Gaza that will supposedly bypass Hamas. Problem is that Hamas operatives control the border crossing from Egypt! Who knows what would show up as “aid,” and any legitimate aid would almost assuredly never reach those in need. (Update: Joe Biden promptly appropriated $100 million American tax dollars for “humanitarian aid” to Gaza [Hamas!] and the West Bank. Despicable!)

Despite some better-than-expected things that transpired during Biden’s visit to Israel, I remain skeptical, given the Biden track record of enabling Iran to threaten Israel, and his consistently horrific foreign policy. His joyride into Israel wasn’t particularly substantive, and it definitely delayed the IDF’s ground incursion, eating up precious time special ops units could be searching out and rescuing hostages.

Each day that passes puts distance between the atrocities that occurred on October 7 and the world’s short memory. Already the “overwhelming support” that originally came in strong for Israel is waltzing out the back door as empathy grows for the supposed humanitarian plight of the citizens of Gaza. So, it begs questions such as:

1. When international pressure mounts, will Biden continue to stand by Israel’s side, providing weaponry and US intelligence?
2. What conditions might the American leaders put on Israel in return for much needed military supplies?
3. Will the Biden administration make any effort whatsoever to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need, or will Hamas sell goods on the black market and use the funds to promote terrorism?
4. Will Biden recognize “the other team” as the gang of terrorists with demonic ideology and intent?
5. Does he have any clue that Iran and their terror proxies are after America every bit as much (or more) than Israel?
6. Will Biden return to his pet project of appeasing the Iranians in order to get a deal done with them that would surely put Israel at even greater risk?
7. Will the administration actually use the assets anchored in the Mediterranean Sea if Iran presses proxies into action in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and the Arabian peninsula?

One American-Israeli journalist said this about America:

Their talk is cheap when not backed up by their actions and, in this case, we are losing valuable time and assets simply to appease a so-called ally who does not even have our best interests at heart. As an American, it pains me to say this, because I know that so many Americans, especially Evangelical Christians, do support Israel’s right to, not only defend themselves but to eradicate a brutal and inhumane enemy like Hamas. As an Israeli, however, I know that America would never put up with the tragedies that have just befallen us, so why are we being asked to fight with one hand tied behind our back? ….Shouldn’t we be cheered on, by all, as we are more than willing to take on the deadly but necessary operation ourselves?

~Cookie Schwaeber-Issan, All Israel News, October 18, 2023

Here is a novel idea: Let’s pray for Joe Biden and his administration. It is an absolute certainty that no human will move the needle of conscience in a person enticed by evil. No one will convince another of the importance of blessing Israel unless the God of Israel plants that desire. Our God can change hearts and minds, and Israel is the apple of His eye. As Christians, let’s rain down prayers of Godly wisdom and our Lord’s sovereignty over the White House, asking Almighty God to give its occupant a heart to truly bless the nation of Israel in deed, not just in words; and for all time, not just in a moment of time.

I will bless those who bless you,
And I will curse him who curses you;
And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
~Genesis 12:3