A group of US officials has publicly resigned over the Biden administration’s Gaza policy and are now supporting ongoing dissent and advocating for a change in direction by the government. These officials, including Josh Paul, Harrison Mann, Tariq Habash, Annelle Sheline, Hala Rharrit, Lily Greenberg Call, Alex Smith, and Stacy Gilbert, felt that their concerns were being ignored, and the administration was not fully grasping the humanitarian toll caused by Israel’s military campaign. President Biden has faced pressure for his support of Israel amid the conflict with Hamas, despite harsh rhetoric from the administration.
The officials who publicly resigned expressed frustration over their perspectives not being heeded and the impact on US credibility. They are now banding together to provide support and advice to their colleagues who may choose to leave or dissent from within the government. They aim to increase pressure on the administration to change course on their policies regarding the conflict in Gaza. By collectively speaking out, they hope to make their voices heard and represent those still employed but unable to publicly dissent.
Key incidents and decisions within the government, such as the release of a report on Israel’s use of US weapons, have contributed to the officials’ decisions to resign. The report’s conclusions, particularly regarding humanitarian aid to Gaza, were seen as politically motivated and undermined the officials’ credibility. Matthew Miller from the State Department emphasized that while differences of opinion are respected, policy decisions ultimately rest with the president and senior officials. Samantha Power of USAID acknowledged the critical views within the agency regarding US foreign policy.
The group of resignee officials is now considering new strategies to voice their dissent, including individual dissent cables to express specific concerns about policies. Some officials advised their peers to put their concerns in writing and seek assurances of compliance with international law before taking action. The frustration over US policies around the conflict had been building for some time, leading to the final decision to leave for many officials. The cancelation of presentations and ultimatums further contributed to their resignations.
The officials who publicly resigned cited their inability to be in integrity with themselves while representing the administration as a key reason for their departure. Their concerns about the course of the war in Gaza led to feelings of hopelessness and a realization that the impact on civilians was not changing US support for Israel. Many officials regret not speaking up about their concerns earlier and seek to provide guidance to others considering public resignations. The lack of a manual for resigning in protest highlights the challenging decision these officials faced in standing up for their beliefs.
In conclusion, the collective action of these US officials who publicly resigned over the Biden administration’s Gaza policy reflects their shared commitment to advocating for change and raising awareness of the humanitarian toll of the conflict. By coming together, they aim to empower their colleagues to find their voices and engage in meaningful dissent within the government. Their decision to speak out despite the risks underscores their dedication to integrity and their belief in the need for policy changes towards Gaza.
Discussion about this post