Staff Reports
The Biden Administration’s knack for meddling in foreign affairs couldn’t be more evident following the unfortunate killing of a dual U.S.-Turkish citizen in the West Bank. Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old woman—who had the misfortune of being caught in the crossfire of a complex and dangerous situation—was reportedly shot in the head due to an “indirect and unintentional” bullet, according to an internal investigation conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The investigation’s findings show that the shot ricocheted before it struck Eygi, highlighting the unpredictable nature of conflict in that region.
In a predictable display of diplomatic overreach, President Biden, before waving goodbye to Washington, announced that the IDF must make “fundamental changes” to their operations in the West Bank. This call to change comes after Eygi’s tragic death—an event that, while regrettable, cannot be blamed solely on Israel. It demonstrates a classic case of international finger-pointing, where the complexities of military operations are oversimplified into a one-dimensional narrative that demonizes a key ally.
Israel Claims Its Forces ‘Unintentionally’ Shot American Activist in the Head#Israel #WestBank #AysenurEzgiEygi #Gaza #Palestinians #murder #assasination pic.twitter.com/cKPOLYt427
— Beyond Wars (@BeyondWars) September 11, 2024
Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quick to jump on the bandwagon, condemning Israel in a way that would make a seasoned diplomat roll his eyes. He demanded sweeping changes to Israeli security practices, asserting that no one should face violence merely for voicing their opinions. While this sentiment is admirable in theory, it doesn’t account for the realities that come with living in one of the most volatile regions in the world. Protests don’t just occur in a vacuum; they often come with risks, and it’s high time to recognize that before calling for the heads of foreign armies.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre further fanned the flames of discontent as she repeated the administration’s stance during Biden’s trip to New York. Ironically, while demanding justice for Eygi, there was scant mention of the comprehensive understanding that the U.S. has with Israel when it comes to these fraught situations. Despite Jean-Pierre’s insistence that U.S. policy toward Israel remains unchanged, one has to wonder what that policy really entails when it’s so quick to condemn an ally without consideration of context.
With Biden and Netanyahu having a longstanding history, it’s almost comic how these two world leaders might converse amidst such accusations. Jean-Pierre’s assurance that they will have “honest and frank conversations” sounds good on paper, but how will it hold up against a backdrop of constant scrutiny and public outcry from those who seem to love to bash Israel from the comfort of their cushy offices in Washington? What’s needed is not a demand for change but an understanding of the dynamics at play, something that the current administration seems alarmingly disengaged from.
