Key Concepts
- US Foreign Policy & Israel/Palestine: The central role of US military aid, diplomatic cover, and political support in enabling Israeli actions.
- Genocide & War Crimes: The determination by a UN commission that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide and war crimes, and the implications for US complicity.
- Political Obstacles: The disconnect between public opinion and US policy, attributed to political incentives and the influence of lobbying groups like AIPAC.
- Arms Transfers & National Security: The impact of US arms transfers to Israel on US military readiness and national security interests.
- West Bank & Displacement: The ongoing Israeli policies in the West Bank aimed at displacing Palestinians and creating a system of reservations.
- A New Policy: A newly formed organization aiming to shift US policy towards a human rights-centric approach regarding Israel and Palestine.
- Overton Window: The range of ideas the public will accept, and how it is shifting regarding criticism of Israel.
US Policy on Israel/Palestine: A Critical Assessment
The discussion centers on the significant and enabling role of the United States in Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, particularly in light of accusations of genocide and war crimes. Josh Paul, former Director of Congressional and Public Affairs at the US Bureau of Political Military Affairs, details his resignation in protest of US policy and outlines the challenges to achieving meaningful change.
UN Findings & US Responsibility
A UN commission’s determination on September 15, 2025, that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza is a pivotal point. The commission explicitly linked the transfer of arms and equipment to potential complicity in genocide if not actively prevented. Paul emphasizes this finding confirms a long-held belief that Israel’s actions constitute war crimes, and crucially, highlights a direct US responsibility. He states, “It is US weaponry, US financing, US diplomatic cover on the global stage that has enabled and that continues to enable Israel to conduct these operations…without any fear of accountability.” This accountability is further complicated by the fact that 157 out of 193 UN member states (81% of the General Assembly) recognize Palestinian statehood, while the US does not. President Trump’s statement framing recognition of Palestine as a “reward to Hamas” was directly refuted by Paul, who asserted self-determination is a fundamental right, not a reward.
The Political Problem in the US
Despite growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood and increasing criticism of Israel, the US remains steadfast in its support. Paul argues the core issue isn’t a policy problem, but a political one. He explains that numerous experts within the US government recognize the harmfulness of the current path, but political obstacles prevent course correction. This is due to incentive structures prioritizing political survival over ethical considerations.
Public Opinion vs. Political Action
Recent polling data reveals a significant disconnect between public opinion and policy. A Gallup report shows only 32% of Americans support Israel’s military actions in Gaza, a figure that has risen to 50% recognizing the actions as genocide. Over 60% of all voters, including Republicans and Democrats, believe the US should halt lethal military support to Israel. However, this widespread sentiment isn’t translating into policy changes on Capitol Hill. Paul attributes this to the structure of the American political system, which he argues is not designed to genuinely listen to the voice of the people. He points to the recent loss of a candidate, Harris, partially attributed to unwillingness to shift on Gaza as a sign of potential change.
The Cost of Support: Military & National Security Implications
Between 2023 and 2024, the US provided Israel with nearly $23 billion in direct and indirect military aid. Paul clarifies this funding directly finances Israeli weaponry – fighter jets, bombs, firearms – and also supports US operations by increasing regional instability and necessitating US military redeployment. He argues this support compromises US national security in four key ways:
- Strain on Readiness: Deploying US forces to the region diverts resources from other critical areas.
- Depletion of US Stockpiles: Providing munitions directly from US military stocks depletes vital weapons reserves.
- Interceptor Depletion: The use of US-supplied interceptor missiles by Israel against retaliatory strikes from Iran has depleted years’ worth of production capacity in a matter of weeks.
- Threats to National Security: Public association with a potential genocide damages US credibility and creates security risks.
Israel is the largest beneficiary of US military aid, receiving substantial support despite having a strong economy and facing no formal army among the Palestinians. This disparity is difficult to reconcile, particularly given Israel’s ability to provide free education and healthcare to its citizens.
The West Bank: A Slow-Motion Displacement
The discussion shifts to the West Bank, where Paul describes a systematic effort to displace Palestinians. He details the destruction of Palestinian homes and livelihoods by settlers, the construction of Israeli-only roads bisecting Palestinian land, and the overall creation of conditions making life unsustainable for Palestinians. He warns Israel’s strategy aims to create Palestinian “reservations,” mirroring the historical injustices inflicted upon indigenous populations in the US. He notes Arab states are pushing back on this, recognizing the destabilizing effect it would have on the region.
The Future & A New Policy
Paul co-founded “A New Policy,” a nonpartisan organization aiming to shift US policy towards a human rights-centric approach. He acknowledges the immense power of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC, which spent over $100 million in the last election cycle. However, he believes AIPAC is on a losing track, as evidenced by increasing numbers of members of Congress refusing to accept their funding.
He outlines three key factors needed to shift US policy:
- Votes: Americans must prioritize this issue at the ballot box.
- Money: Funding must be directed towards candidates willing to challenge the status quo.
- Public Opinion/Overton Window: The normalization of critical discourse regarding Israel is expanding, with over 20 members of Congress now calling Israel’s actions genocide.
Paul envisions a future where the US treats Israel like any other country, applying the same standards and laws, and engaging in open criticism when necessary. He emphasizes the importance of applying existing laws prohibiting military aid to units with documented human rights violations, a practice currently waived for Israel.
Conclusion
The interview paints a stark picture of US complicity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, driven by political incentives and the influence of powerful lobbying groups. While public opinion is shifting, translating that sentiment into policy change remains a significant challenge. Paul’s insights highlight the urgent need for a fundamental reassessment of US foreign policy, prioritizing human rights, accountability, and a more equitable approach to the region. The formation of organizations like “A New Policy” represents a nascent effort to challenge the status quo and advocate for a more just and sustainable future.
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