Just last week, the U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for a humanitarian pause to open the way for more aid into Gaza. But the White House’s view has shifted.
It’s a way of telling them to rein things in and stop committing war crimes because our patience and support has limits. Israel will not agree to a ceasefire so calling for one would just make Biden look weak when they refuse. Calling for a pause is a warning shot and easy to walk back if Israel behaves better. A pause is necessary to ensure civilian safety and unnecessary once that’s less of an issue. Biden can still ratchet up the pressure without going as far as calling for a ceasefire if Israel doesn’t comply - have a little spat in Congress about spending, be less vocal in support, have a few slow weapons shipments, etc.
Edit: Calling for a ceasefire also sends the wrong message to the other side as well as our allies. He’s in a pretty tough spot.
It’s a way of telling them to rein things in and stop committing war crimes because our patience and support has limits. Israel will not agree to a ceasefire so calling for one would just make Biden look weak when they refuse. Calling for a pause is a warning shot and easy to walk back if Israel behaves better. A pause is necessary to ensure civilian safety and unnecessary once that’s less of an issue. Biden can still ratchet up the pressure without going as far as calling for a ceasefire if Israel doesn’t comply - have a little spat in Congress about spending, be less vocal in support, have a few slow weapons shipments, etc.
Edit: Calling for a ceasefire also sends the wrong message to the other side as well as our allies. He’s in a pretty tough spot.