Sen. Tommy Tuberville of Alabama stated in an interview on WBRC Alabama on October 11, 2023, that Israel “has an obligation to go” into Gaza in response to Hamas’ heinous attacks against the Jewish state on October 7. However, he added, “the issue is, when you begin to choose sides in the region of the Middle East, it can become extremely messy very quickly.”
The people in charge under Biden quickly criticized Tuberville for what he said. The Biden administration fully backed Israel in a letter that came out on October 11.
“President Biden is clear about his position on the terrible events in Israel. Senator Tuberville should take a good look at himself and then follow the President’s lead,” the letter from deputy press secretary Andrew Bates said.
The letter was mostly about Tuberville’s control over military promotions. It said that war in Israel has become a stark reminder of how important it is to be ready for war, which is something Tuberville is supposedly threatening. Tuberville put a hold on protesting the military’s rules on abortion.
“The terrorist attacks in Israel serve as a sobering reminder that the United States military must be prepared for anything at any time. Furthermore, self-serving politicians such as Sen. Tuberville should not be allowed to undermine the preparedness of the men and women who risk their lives for their nation,” Bates added.
“Sen. Tuberville’s self-serving act is giving our enemies in the globe an advantage,” he said, accusing him of “directly sabotaging the nation’s military.”
The Biden administration has frequently said that Tuberville’s hold is wrong and asked him to end it.
Since Hamas attacked Israel, more than 1,400 Israelis and more than 5,000 Palestinians have died.
The world is now waiting for Israel’s reaction, which some think could be an attack on Gaza on the ground. A move like this could start a firestorm in the area while Iran and its allies wait for Israel to make the next move so they can possibly counter it. In this case, the risks are very high.
At some point, policymakers have to admit that their geopolitical goals are limited and start putting internal security problems first.
The US can’t keep being the world’s policeman, and it can’t even afford to make risky relationships like the one that it has with Israel.
Author: Scott Dowdy
