Stephens thinks it would be a good idea for the anti-Zionist demonstrators to take a hard look at their ultimate objectives for the Jews in Israel. What kind of a Palestinian state do they actually want, and how do the Jews fit in it? On that point, we agree completely. Simply mouthing pro-Palestinian slogans without grasping their practical meaning is a fool’s errand.
But Stephens also believes that saving innocent Palestinian lives in Gaza is desirable, but a low priority–an afterthought. He argues that Biden shows strength when he provides offensive weapons to a government that makes a display of ignoring American restrictions on their use. On both of these points, he is wrong. Separating civilians from fighters is the essence of the war, and protecting the former is a necessary step in creating a viable and moderate political entity to run Gaza when it is over. As to the notion that Biden shows strength to the world by refusing to stand up for his principles, that statement practically refutes itself.
Stephens wrote a column in the NYT about a week ago which included a list of reasons why Biden should have continued to let the Israelis ignore American conditions on the use of our offensive weapons. That list will be the subject of my next post.