More on Joe Biden's View of Israel

 

Here is more information on some of Biden’s experiences and views on Israel taken from the JVL (Jewish Virtual Library) which is a project of the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise.  I must first admit that I did not vote for Joe Biden because of my conscience.  I need not explain why, but if you are interested please email or message me.  That being said, I share this information more out of scholarly interest and a willingness to share with others. 

BIDEN’S VIEW OF ISRAEL

·        Joe Biden first visited Israel as a senator on the eve of the 1973 Yom Kippur War where he met Golda Meir.  In 1982, Biden warned Prime Minister Menachem Begin not to expand settlements into the West Bank though Begin simply shrugged it off.  In 2012, Biden claimed to be a friend with Benjamin Netanyahu for more than 30 years.  Biden’s son Beau married a Jew and his daughter Ashley also married a Jew.  Biden has often expressed his affection for Israel.  He is a strong voice against anti-Semitism, and even willing to stand against the United Nations’ attempts to delegitimize Israel.  Although Biden spoke out against Israel’s policy that prevented American lawmakers from entering Israel (because they favored BDS), Biden himself condemned calls in the United States to enact BDS (boycott, divest, and sanction Israel).

BIDEN’S VIEW OF A TWO STATE SOLUTION

·        Biden supports a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestinian conflict.  He holds the view that Israel needs to stop annexation.  Yet he also argues that the Palestinian Authority needs to stop inciting and supporting terrorism and that Palestinians need to stop the hate, which includes teaching hate in their schools.  Although Biden opposes Israeli settlements in the West Bank, he would not withdraw Military support.  He appreciates the agreement and normalization between the UAE and Israel and is willing to build on this progress.

BIDEN’S VIEW OF IRAN

·        Biden says he is unwavering in his backing of Israel.  However, he wants to reestablish diplomacy with Iran to prevent them from achieving nuclear weapons.  He recognizes Iran’s destabilizing influence in the Middle East through proxy activities.  In other words, he acknowledges that Iran is a sponsor of terrorism.  Biden would push back against Iran’s destabilizing activity and work with Israel to protect Israeli national interest.  He supports returning to the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) if Iran agrees to live up to its obligations.  Biden argues that Trump’s abandonment of the JCPOA increased Iran’s activity toward obtaining nuclear weapons.  He holds the view that Trump’s strong hand tactics with Iran have also forced the Iranian government to align itself with China and Russia.