Biden’s Final Months: Balancing Military Aid and Humanitarian Demands for Israel and Gaza*

WASHINGTON, Oct 17 — in  his final months in office, President Joe Biden is adopting a dual approach with Israel, using U.S. military aid as both an incentive and a leverage point amid tensions with Iran. Recently, the administration deployed approximately 100 soldiers and an advanced missile defense system to Israel, coinciding with escalating threats from Iranian missile strikes.

Biden’s administration delivered a letter to Israel demanding improvements in the humanitarian situation in Gaza within 30 days or risk potential restrictions on military aid. This marks a significant shift in U.S. involvement in Israeli policies, especially as the upcoming U.S. presidential election looms.

While Biden has prioritized Israel's defense, he faces pressure from progressive factions within his party to leverage U.S. support to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Analysts suggest the ultimatum is a crucial test for Prime Minister Netanyahu, especially with mounting casualties in Gaza.

The letter outlines specific requirements for increasing aid to Gaza, raising the stakes for U.S.-Israeli relations. As Biden navigates this complex landscape, the outcome may depend heavily on Netanyahu's response and the political dynamics following the upcoming election.