400 political appointees and staff from 40 government agencies signed a letter sent to President Joe Biden on Tuesday, expressing their opposition to Biden’s support for Israel during the Gaza Strip conflict. The growing internal dissent over the administration’s position on the war calls for an immediate cease-fire and urges humanitarian aid for Gaza. The signatories of the letter, sent anonymously, expressed concerns about personal safety and potential job loss, expressing frustration with the administration’s views. Over 1,000 employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development have also signed an open letter of dissent. Despite the administration expressing concerns about civilian casualties, many government officials remain unconvinced. The letter denounces attacks on both sides while urging Biden to demand a cease-fire and de-escalation of the conflict. While two officials who organized the letter acknowledge that their views aren’t universally supported, they argue that the majority of Americans favor a cease-fire and oppose U.S. military involvement in the Middle East. The dissent comes after a contentious meeting with Muslim and Arab political appointees who criticized the administration’s stance on Israel. The State Department has assured that dissenters are protected from retaliation. In response to the internal dissent, Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the department is listening to input, but the administration remains firm in its position.
400+ U.S. Officials Protest Biden’s Israel Policy: Why They’re Taking a Stand
