President Joe Biden, having recently returned from an extended vacation, has expressed dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts to negotiate the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. He seems to hold Netanyahu partly accountable for the brutal execution of six hostages, including an American citizen, alongside the actual perpetrators from Hamas. This shift in tone marks a departure from Biden's earlier unyielding commitment to Israel, as he now advocates for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, regardless of the potential fallout.

Upon learning of the hostages' deaths, Biden declared that Hamas will answer for their actions, leaving many to question the effectiveness of this promise. Critics argue that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have weakened their backing of Israel by yielding to pressures from pro-Palestinian constituents, which has impeded the Israel Defense Forces’ efforts to retaliate against Hamas, who orchestrated the slaughter of approximately 1,200 people on October 7.

For some time, the Biden administration has urged Netanyahu to consider compromises that might compromise Israel's security, failing to acknowledge that Hamas has consistently dismissed offers for negotiations. Netanyahu responded by outlining a sequence of U.S.-backed proposals that Israel has accepted, all of which were turned down by Hamas, essentially asking, "what has changed?"

The political landscape for Biden and Harris has shifted, particularly within the Democratic Party's leftwing, leading to a decline in support for Israel—a demographic crucial for their success in upcoming elections. Critics view Biden as lacking assertiveness, and further suggest that Harris is following suit, prioritizing public opinion over steadfast principles. Such weaknesses are seen to be detrimental not only to Israel’s security but also influence U.S. responses to international conflicts, from the ongoing war in Ukraine to the adversarial postures of countries like China and Iran.

The article also reflects on past U.S. administrations, contrasting Biden’s leadership with that of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump, who both maintained a policy of "peace through strength." With Trump, America's adversaries were kept in line through decisive actions, exemplified by his approach during a critical meeting with Xi Jinping where he authorized a military strike on Syria in real time, serving as a stark warning to global competitors.

In contrast, Biden’s remarks to Putin before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have been characterized as weak, leading to significant territorial aggression. The withdrawal from Afghanistan, which resulted in numerous American casualties, further illustrates how perceived ineffectiveness has consequences, as Biden and Harris are seen as failing to project the strength necessary to deter international threats. This perspective raises concerns about their ability to keep both America and its allies secure on the global stage.