After the tragic 9/11 attacks, the United States invaded Afghanistan and Iraq, believing it would help improve security. However, these invasions led to a lot of destruction in both countries and damaged America’s reputation as a powerful military force.
Fast forward to today: despite the chaotic end of the war in Afghanistan and a questionable deal with Iraq, the Biden administration is supporting Israel in its ongoing conflict in Gaza. Recent reports indicate that the U.S. is also allowing Israel to increase its military presence in Lebanon, raising tensions throughout the Middle East.
Many experts blame the chaotic invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan on a group of political advisors known as neoconservatives. These individuals aimed to reshape the Middle East, but their plans backfired in both countries. Interestingly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now using similar language, promising to create a “New Middle East” through the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Lebanon, and possibly beyond.
So why does Netanyahu receive so much support from the U.S. for his aggressive actions? Who is behind the scenes, influencing America’s pro-Israel stance in the Middle East?
Two key figures shaping this U.S. policy are Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein. McGurk is the head of the U.S.-led coalition against ISIS, while Hochstein serves as the U.S. envoy to the Middle East. According to reports, both officials support Netanyahu’s strategy to focus Israel’s military efforts against Hezbollah, a powerful group based in Lebanon.
After Israel’s recent attacks on Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of over 2,000 people, U.S. officials conveyed their unwavering support for Israel. They view these military actions as significant, believing they could reshape the Middle East for the better in the long run.
Who Are McGurk and Hochstein?
Brett McGurk has a controversial history. He played a major role in developing the new Iraqi constitution after the U.S. invasion, which led to increased divisions among different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq. He also helped form a coalition in Syria that included groups considered terrorist organizations by some countries. McGurk is now applying similar strategies in Lebanon, a country that has a mix of different religious communities.
On the other hand, Amos Hochstein is an Israeli-born military veteran who worked as a middleman in U.S.-Israeli energy negotiations before becoming the peace envoy. Recently, he warned Lebanese officials that Hezbollah would make a mistake if they thought the U.S. would stop Israel’s invasion of their country.
While Hochstein claims that the U.S. is not directly encouraging Israel’s military actions, the reality seems more complicated. Despite calling for a diplomatic solution, the U.S. continues to arm Israel and has even supported plans to assassinate Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
The Diplomatic Dilemma
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the world is safer without Nasrallah, and some experts believe that even if Nasrallah is killed, Hezbollah will continue to operate due to its strong ties within Lebanese society and its connections with Iran.
Blinken and other U.S. officials have been pushing for a diplomatic resolution to the escalating conflict. However, their actions—such as providing military support to Israel and approving the assassination of key figures—raise questions about their true intentions.
Did Blinken really support a ceasefire with Israel, or was it just a cover for allowing Israel to take more aggressive action against Hezbollah?
A senior U.S. official suggested that it’s possible for the U.S. to want a peaceful solution while still supporting Israel’s goals against Hezbollah. This delicate balancing act leaves many wondering what the true U.S. position is in the ongoing chaos of the Middle East.
