In recent weeks, a growing number of congressional Republicans have raised significant concerns regarding Israel's proposed plan to occupy Gaza City. This internal discord comes as pro-Israel Democrats express their dissent with unusual intensity. The situation is critical as the coalition of political allies supporting Israel in the United States has become increasingly fragmented amidst a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and a noticeable decline in U.S. public opinion towards Israel.
Lawmakers who have traditionally been sympathetic to Israel are voicing their apprehensions, cautioning that the operational plan to occupy Gaza City could turn into a logistical nightmare. They are urging Israel to tread carefully to avoid further alienating the international community. Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee overseeing the Middle East, expressed his concerns during an interview with Axios, stating, “I’d like to know who is actually going to run it.”
Similarly, Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Mont.), another member of the House Foreign Affairs panel, emphasized the dual responsibilities that come with an occupation. He stated, “Occupation for security also comes with the responsibility of providing humanitarian assistance and creating an economic future.”
The Israeli Security Cabinet recently approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to assume control of Gaza City. This military initiative aims to defeat Hamas, but it is expected to take several months and could displace approximately 1 million Palestinian civilians. As part of this occupation, the IDF will be responsible for distributing humanitarian aid, as reported by Axios’ Barak Ravid.
However, the IDF's chief of staff expressed concerns during the Cabinet meeting, warning that the plan might jeopardize Israeli hostages in Gaza and lead to a prolonged military governance scenario.
Former President Donald Trump has distanced himself from Netanyahu regarding allegations of famine in Gaza, indicating he does not plan to intervene against the operation. Meanwhile, Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), who leads the New Democrat Coalition and is recognized as a pro-Israel centrist, labeled the plan as “tactically questionable and strategically self-defeating.” He pointed out that if implemented, the decision could inadvertently align with Hamas’s original objectives, further uniting global opposition against Israel rather than securing the release of hostages and addressing national security needs.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), a strong supporter of Israel, expressed that while Israel retains the right to determine its security measures, the ongoing conflict in Gaza risks devolving into a quagmire reminiscent of the prolonged American engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan. He urged Israel to maintain a focused approach aimed exclusively at securing the release of remaining hostages.
Despite the backlash from some corners of the political landscape, Israel continues to find unwavering support from several Republican lawmakers in Congress. In light of Hamas's persistent refusal to accept a ceasefire, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), chair of the Foreign Affairs Middle East Subcommittee, asserted that Israel has limited options. He stated, “If everyone agrees Hamas cannot remain in power and the hostages must be released, how do you expect to get there? Who is going to force that? The U.K.? France?”
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) reinforced this sentiment, asserting that without addressing Hamas, there can be no peace. He concluded, “Until Hamas is rooted out and the hostages returned, I understand the need to occupy Gaza. Hamas started this war and did this to themselves.”
The evolving situation in Gaza City presents a complex challenge for U.S. lawmakers and the international community. As debates continue within Congress regarding Israel's operational plans, the implications for humanitarian efforts and regional stability remain a focal point of concern. With diverging opinions among both Republicans and Democrats, the future of Israel's military strategy in Gaza will be closely watched.
