Hidayat Ullah
The sentiment “United States works for the entire humanity” is often expressed by the top political leadership of the United States. However, this statement fails when confronted with the national interests of states, whether it is the US or any other nation. According to the Penguin Dictionary of International Relations, “National Interest serves as both an analytical tool for identifying the objectives of foreign policy and a comprehensive concept used to justify specific policy preferences.” In both senses, it encapsulates the fundamental determinants that guide state policies concerning the external environment.
Nonetheless, states relentlessly pursue their national interests, even if it entails the sacrifice of thousands of lives, as evidenced by the ongoing genocide of Palestinians, resulting in the deaths of more than 45000 Palestinians, including women and children. Despite this humanitarian crisis, the United States continues to extend military support to Israel by furnishing them with highly advanced weaponry. Israel receives a staggering $3.8 billion annually, totaling $260 billion, surpassing aid to any other country. Interestingly, under the clauses of lethality laws, US-provided weapons are meant solely for defensive purposes, with the law expressly prohibiting military aid to states committed to gross human rights violations. However, when it comes to Israel, the US seems to offer an unconditional endorsement and a blank cheque.
Furthermore, the United States’ backing of Israel is deeply rooted in historical, geopolitical, and ideological considerations. The US was the first nation to officially recognize Israel in 1948. The strategic alliance between the US and Israel is often contextualized within the imperative of upholding stability and influence in the volatile Middle East region. The significance of Israel emerged during the Suez Canal crisis when Jamal Abdul Nasir of Egypt got military assistance from the USSR and aligned with the communist bloc.
Conversely, Israel sought military and economic aid from the US, culminating in an agreement in 1962 under Kennedy’s administration. Additionally, Israel is perceived as a pivotal ally in a region characterized by political turbulence, terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Moreover, the US-Israel relationship is viewed by shared security interests. Israel serves as a crucial buffer against common adversaries such as Iran and its proxies, who pose substantial threats to regional stability and US interests.
The strategic value of Israel as a bulwark against hostile forces cannot be overstated, fostering extensive military collaboration between the two nations. The complex relationship between the United States and Israel is shaped by strategic, ideological, and domestic political considerations. While the alliance serves mutual interests and reflects shared values, it also raises concerns about prioritizing geopolitical interests over human rights concerns. As the US grapples with its role in the Middle East, striking a balance between strategic imperatives and moral principles will remain a multifaceted and contentious challenge.
However, the continuous support for Israel has elicited controversy and criticism, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The unwavering backing of Israel’s policies, including its expansion of settlements in the occupied territories and military operations in Gaza, has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations and international bodies. Critics contend that US support emboldens Israeli actions that contravene international law and perpetuate the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
The unwavering support of Israel by the US, driven by its pursuit of national interests, whether through strategic partnerships in the region or shared values, raises profound questions about the prioritization of human rights. This support prompts us to ponder whether the lives of thousands of individuals are deemed less important than the strategic interests of a state. The glaring discrepancy between the United States’ mission of working for the betterment of humanity and its actions in the Palestinian context underscores the complexity of the issue. How can we reconcile the United States’ role as a champion of democracy and liberalism with its complicity in human rights violations, particularly in the case of Palestine?
Moreover, if states like the US, which uphold democratic principles, are themselves implicated in human rights abuses, it creates a challenging precedent for expecting other nations to prioritize and protect human rights. The disparity between rhetoric and action not only undermines the credibility of states promoting democracy and human rights but also erodes trust in the international community’s ability to uphold these fundamental values universally. As such, addressing these contradictions and holding all states accountable for their actions is essential for fostering genuine progress in the protection and promotion of human rights on a global scale.
The author is an M.phil scholar at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi.
