I'm writing to express my frustration with President Biden and, in particular, his Israel policy, which seems to be "Israel, no matter what."
While I agree that Hamas needs to be ousted as ruler of Gaza, that is something that can only be accomplished politically. It's been many years since Palestinians had the opportunity to vote Hamas out. In fact, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was supporting Hamas.
It has been written and stated by those who've been reporting from Gaza for years that the people are not much behind Hamas. So why all the killing of Palestinians when this can be accomplished by other means?
It's up to Israel to allow voting to happen and to put forward other organizations or individuals! Ultimately, however, the people of Gaza must have political and human rights and be able to create their own independent destiny.
Given reports that Israel had some intelligence about what would happen on Oct. 7, it causes one to wonder about Netanyahu's motivations. Did he basically know what was coming? (Though I have to think he could not have known exactly what would transpire - at least, I cannot believe he would knowingly allow such brutality.) Did he figure he could use the insurrection, as he has, as a motivation to basically get rid of the Gaza "problem" once and for all?
My main point here: If Sen. Bernie Sanders would only run and be able to show Biden another way, regarding Israel, maybe Biden would take the political leap needed. Bernie and his more enlightened politics influenced or inspired some of Biden's policies early on in his presidency. Perhaps he needs that where Israel is concerned!
Perhaps Biden thinks he has it all figured out: that we need Israel, and if we ask for moral consideration from Israel, the country will no longer be an ally. But this stance is weak and foolish. Hold onto a loyal friend, but lose our soul?
We must put conditions onto any money given to Israel, as Bernie Sanders has strongly stated. Please, Bernie, step forward in a real way to lead the way!
Arlene Distler
Brattleboro
This letter to the editor was submitted to The Commons.