Klein thinks opinions on Gaza within the Democratic Party are largely dictated by historical memory. For people of Biden’s age, Israel is the plucky democracy that survived against great odds in 1948 and 1967; for Gen Xers, Israel tried to make peace, but was frustrated by myopic Palestinian leaders; but for Gen Zers, Israel is the Middle East equivalent of the guy who put his knee on George Floyd’s neck. During their lifetimes, Israel has always been the overwhelmingly predominant military power in the area; Bibi has used that power purely to oppress Palestinians and pull America’s chain. Is Klein correct?
Yes, but part of the problem here is that the young progressives don’t see the big picture. Biden’s objective is to use the current war to create a better political environment for everyone except the extremists in the Middle East. He is doing his best to take advantage of that opportunity, even if it means a degree of rejection and frustration in the short run. Just because the initiative hasn’t borne fruit yet doesn’t mean it won’t in the end.