In his final months in office, President Joe Biden has taken a bold step by using U.S. military aid as leverage to influence Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict with Iran and Iranian-backed militant groups. The move comes as Israel weighs a response to an October 1 missile strike by Iran, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.
On Sunday, the Biden administration announced the deployment of around 100 U.S. troops to Israel, alongside the advanced Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system. The rare deployment of such military assets signals an unprecedented level of U.S. involvement in Israeli defense strategy, just weeks before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. While the administration maintains that the move aligns with long-standing policies aimed at ensuring Israel’s defense, the decision has raised questions about the potential risks of deepening U.S. military involvement in the region.
Simultaneously, Biden's administration has taken a firm stance on humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where the war has claimed 42,000 lives, according to Palestinian health authorities. In a letter delivered on Sunday, the White House warned Israel that it must take steps to improve humanitarian aid flows into Gaza or face potential restrictions on U.S. military assistance. Israel has been given 30 days to increase aid deliveries, including ensuring that at least 350 trucks of supplies enter Gaza daily.
The letter represents the clearest ultimatum yet from Washington to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has frequently resisted U.S. advice. According to U.S. officials, 50 aid trucks have already been transferred to Gaza, signaling a possible early response to Biden’s demands.
While the administration’s carrot-and-stick approach has been lauded by some experts, it remains uncertain whether it will yield the desired outcomes. Biden’s focus on preventing an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites and improving the humanitarian situation in Gaza comes at a critical moment. With the U.S. election looming, Netanyahu could stall on complying with U.S. demands, hoping for a more favorable outcome if former President Donald Trump, with whom Netanyahu has a close relationship, wins the presidency.
As tensions rise and the potential for escalation grows, Biden's decision to deploy U.S. forces and pressure Israel diplomatically underscores the high stakes in the region, where both military and humanitarian concerns are at a critical juncture.