Amidst internal dissent, a senior education adviser, Tariq Habash, has become the second official to resign from the Biden administration, citing concerns over the handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This latest departure underscores growing turmoil within the administration regarding its approach to the ongoing war.
Growing Internal Dissent
Since the Hamas militant group attacked Israel on Oct. 7, various letters, many signed anonymously, have emerged from Biden administration officials and campaign staffers urging a reconsideration of unequivocal support for Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with approximately 1,200 Israelis and 22,000 Palestinians losing their lives.
Previous Resignation and Calls for Cease-Fire
In October, Josh Paul, a State Department official, resigned due to what he termed “shortsighted decisions” by the Biden administration in providing military assistance to Israel. Additionally, over 500 Biden administration officials signed an open letter in November urging Biden to call for a cease-fire. Recently, 17 current Biden campaign staffers anonymously called for a permanent cease-fire in the monthslong conflict.
Habash’s Concerns and Criticisms
Habash, a Palestinian American, cited nationwide turmoil on college campuses following the attacks. He emphasized the need for the Education Department to protect students protesting the war, given the alarming violence against Palestinian and Muslim Americans. Criticizing the Israeli government’s violations of international humanitarian law, Habash stressed that such criticism is not antisemitic but an exercise of free expression.
Biden’s Refusal and Public Belief
Speaking with CNN, Habash deemed Biden’s refusal to call for a cease-fire “untenable with the belief by millions of Americans across this country.”
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