Palestine question a key test of US foreign policy

It is crucial for any US administration to recognize that, regardless of political agendas, the views of the American public regarding the situation in Palestine and Israel are undergoing a significant shift. A critical mass of opinion is rapidly forming and this change is becoming undeniable.

Paradoxically, while Islamophobia continues to rise across the US, sentiments supporting Palestinians and opposing Israeli occupation are steadily increasing.

In theory, this means that the pro-Israeli media’s success in linking Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people to the so-called war on terror — a narrative that has demonized Islam and Muslims for many years — is faltering.

Americans are increasingly viewing the situation in Palestine as a human rights issue, and one that is deeply relevant to domestic politics. A recent Gallup poll underscored this shift. The poll, released on March 6, was conducted between Feb. 3 and 16. It found that American support for Israel was at its lowest point since polling began 25 years ago, while sympathy for Palestinians had reached its highest level. Having 46 percent of Americans sympathize more with Israelis and 33 percent with Palestinians would have seemed inconceivable in the past, when the plight of Palestine and its people was largely overlooked by the general public.

Even more remarkable is that this shift continues to gain momentum, despite the fact that the mainstream media and American politicians are more biased than ever, promoting a dehumanizing discourse of Palestinians and unprecedented, uncritical support for Israel.

While the growing shift in favor of Palestine — particularly as a result of the genocide in Gaza, which played a role in influencing the outcomes in several states during the 2024 presidential election — went largely unnoticed by the Biden administration, it is clear that the dissatisfaction with the government’s position remains unchanged since the change of presidency.

The previous administration approved significant military aid to Israel, topping $17.9 billion in the first year of the genocidal war on Gaza alone. This blatant disregard for Palestinian lives and rights has persisted under the new administration, who has appointed some staunchly anti-Palestinian, pro-Israel figures to key positions in his government.

Americans are increasingly viewing the situation in Palestine as a human rights issue, and one that is deeply relevant to domestic politics

Ramzy Baroud

Trump did this despite making repeated, though often contradictory, promises to end the war and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Instead, the US president has approved the release of a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs and passed the sale of arms worth nearly $3 billion to Israel.

The White House also introduced a new US policy based on “taking ownership” of Gaza and displacing its population. However, this position was inconsistently articulated and Trump last Thursday seemed to reverse it altogether. This left many wondering whether US foreign policy was truly independent or simply a reflection of the influence of Israel and its Washington lobby.

Unlike President Joe Biden, whose support for Israel was consistent, the new administration’s stance has been confusing and contradictory. The US news portal Axios reported on March 5 that direct talks between the US, led by hostage envoy Adam Boehler, and Hamas had taken place in Doha. In an interview four days later, Boehler made the striking statement that US and Israeli foreign policies should be seen as separate. “We’re the United States. We’re not an agent of Israel,” he said.

However, as analysts began mulling over this unprecedented language, it was soon revealed that Boehler had been removed from his position and America’s traditional, unwavering support for Israel quickly returned.

As US policymakers continue to swing between their unwavering commitment to Israel and “America First” rhetoric, they must keep in mind the following four factors.

First, the American public is increasingly aware of events in Palestine, so masking Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights under the guise of “Israel’s right to defend itself” no longer suffices.

Second, US and Israeli interests are not identical: the US seeks geopolitical dominance followed by stabilization and so-called containment, while Israel thrives on provocations, destabilization and long-lasting conflicts.

Third, Palestine has become a domestic issue in the US and the debate on Palestine and Israel is no longer one-sided. Growing support for Palestine means that more US voters will base their future political decisions on how the country engages with Israel and its disregard for Palestinian rights.

Masking Israel’s violations of Palestinian rights under the guise of ‘Israel’s right to defend itself’ no longer suffices

Ramzy Baroud

Fourth, crackdowns on dissent, arrests of activists and funding cuts will only deepen the polarization around this issue, rather than fostering an open, informed and productive debate on a matter of great importance to millions of Americans. Such actions are quickly eroding the reputation of the US as a democratic state and undermining confidence in its commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Palestine may not be the sole measure by which the Trump administration will be judged, nor the only factor shaping future voting patterns. Yet, it is undoubtedly a crucial test. If the contradictions persist and the US continues to provide unwavering military support for Israel, Palestine could become the defining issue that contributes to the unraveling of US foreign policy, not only in the Middle East but around the world.

It is not too late for this trajectory to shift or for some degree of balance to emerge. The lives of millions of people are at stake.

• Dr. Ramzy Baroud is a journalist and author. He is editor of The Palestine Chronicle and nonresident senior research fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs. His latest book, co-edited with Ilan Pappe, is “Our Vision for Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders and Intellectuals Speak Out.” X: @RamzyBaroud