Leo Varadkar’s decision to utilise his St Patrick’s Day visit to lobby on behalf of Gaza proved to be a strategic move. His stance was well-received by the US President, supporting his and the US’s intensifying criticism of Israel’s conflict, effectively indicating global backing. This arrived a day subsequent to Joe Biden praising an impactful speech from Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer, who is a prominent figure in Jewish America. Schumer called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to the US, Netanyahu’s extreme government seems to pose more of a problem rather than becoming a remedy. Whether Biden will utilise his geopolitical influence to underline this sentiment and moderate further Israeli incursions is still uncertain.
The Taoiseach and President Biden appear to share a mutual agreement on the critical need for escalating humanitarian support in Gaza and securing a ceasefire, Biden reiterated. They persistently maintain that a two-state resolution, which is rigidly opposed by the Israeli leader, is the sole pathway to lasting peace and security.
Varadkar took it a step further, cautioning that any attempted invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza, which is also notorious with the US, could potentially violate international law. He appeared to be in solidarity with Palestine, stating Ireland’s historical connection to their struggles.
His sentiments are expected to resonate well domestically, and with many Democrats who are critical of Biden’s emerging tolerance to Israel’s actions, including the continuous provision of US weaponry.
Recently, Biden has taken on a more stern attitude towards Netanyahu, underlining that the requirement for humanitarian assistance in the face of potential famine is compulsory. He condemned civilian bombings and aimed to control Israel’s proclivity to assault Lebanon.
Biden’s current message seems to indicate a clear distinction between support for Israel and Netanyahu. With US Secretary of State Antony Blinken revisiting the region to advocate for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a meeting with high-ranking Saudi and Egyptian officials, it’s clear they want to discuss the inseparable correlation to the ‘right architecture for enduring regional peace’. Netanyahu does not seem to fit into this framework.