The escalating tension between Israel and Gaza has become the focus of the campaigns in the US presidential election. This situation has also become a huge issue within the White House, with the internal divisions of politicians coming to light.
On the one hand, current President Donald Trump and Vice-President Mike Pence have taken a strong stance in defense of Israel, supporting their military actions and blocking a UN Security Councilresolution against them.
Meanwhile, some Democrats have called for a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, and asked for a more holistic approach that could bring about peace in the region. Democrats, including House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have expressed this.
The most outspoken debate on the matter, however, has been between White House advisor Jared Kushner and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Kushner has been seen to represent Trump’s views, while Pompeo has publicly backed Israel’s military operations.
The divisions within the White House has raised concerns about the current administration’s ability to mediate the conflict diplomatically. Additionally, the US presidential election is another factor to consider, with Trump continuing to support Israel’s current actions, while Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden calling for a ceasefire.
As the death toll from the conflict continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the pressing issue of the Israel-Gaza conflict. With the US presidential election looming, the White House needs to find a way to solve the conflict without causing further tensions among its own politicians.