Resignation Over Gaza: Biden Administration Faces Internal Dissent
In a significant development, another member of the Biden Administration has resigned, citing opposition to the administration's unwavering support and weapon shipments to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Lily Greenberg, the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff in the Interior Department, made headlines as the first Jewish Biden appointee to step down in protest over the war in Gaza.
Greenberg, a seasoned political activist and advocate for Israel, had previously worked on the presidential campaigns of both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Her resignation marks a striking shift, given her long-standing support for Israel. In her resignation letter, Greenberg expressed a profound disillusionment with the administration's policies.
"I joined the Biden administration because I believe in fighting for a better America for a future where Americans can thrive, one with economic prosperity, a healthy planet, and equal rights for all people," she wrote. "However, I can no longer in good conscience continue to represent this Administration amidst President Biden's disastrous continued support for Israel's genocide in Gaza."
Greenberg's use of the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza is particularly noteworthy, especially given her background. She articulated a deep concern for the plight of Palestinians, while also acknowledging the personal impact of Hamas's attacks on her community.
"People in my community lost loved ones during Hamas's attack on October 7th," she stated. "I am terrified by rising anti-Semitism around the world and yet I am certain that the answer to this is not to collectively punish millions of innocent Palestinians through displacement, famine, and ethnic cleansing."
Greenberg also criticized the Biden Administration's rhetoric concerning Jewish Americans. She pointed to comments made by President Biden at a White House Hanukkah event and at Washington's Holocaust Memorial, which she felt wrongly made Jews the face of the American war machine.
"President Biden's comments, including saying 'were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world who was safe,' are deeply problematic," Greenberg explained. "He is making Jews the face of the American War Machine, and that is so deeply wrong."
Her resignation highlights the internal conflicts within the Biden Administration regarding its stance on the Gaza conflict. Greenberg believes that the administration's current policies are disastrous not only for Palestinians but also for Israelis, Jews, Americans, and Biden's own political future.
"The president has to know that there are people in his administration who think this is disastrous," Greenberg said. "Not just for Palestinians, but for Israelis, Jews, Americans, and his election prospects."
Recent polling data indicates a decline in Biden's support among key Democratic voter groups, including Arab Americans, Muslim Americans, and young voters. This shift could have significant implications for his re-election campaign. Despite claims of halting weapon shipments to Israel, the Biden Administration recently approved another billion dollars in weapons transfers to Israel, further fueling dissent within the administration.
Greenberg's resignation underscores the growing tension and calls for a reevaluation of U.S. policies in the Middle East. Her courageous decision to speak out and step down serves as a powerful statement, reflecting the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by many within the administration. As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Biden Administration must navigate these complex issues with careful consideration of the diverse perspectives and values within its ranks.