Vantage | Will Biden's Israel policy cost him his presidency?

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised concerns among Arab Americans and these concerns could have a significant impact on President Joe Biden’s chances of re-election in 2024. The Arab American community, which has historically supported Biden and the Democratic Party, has expressed dissatisfaction with the president’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict. This shift in support is a cause for worry within the Biden camp especially as the 2024 election approaches, potentially setting the stage for a contentious rematch between Biden and former president Donald Trump.

A historical friendship The US and Israel share a long-standing relationship that spans 75 years. Washington has consistently been a steadfast ally of Israel standing by the nation through numerous ups and downs. This alliance has seen the US provide diplomatic, military and financial support to Israel making it the closest ally of the Jewish state in the world. “Let there be no mistake, the United States stands with the state of Israel, just as we have from the moment the United States became the first nation to recognize Israel 11 minutes after its founding 75 years ago,” said President Biden. Arab American discontent While Biden’s support for Israel is unwavering, it hasn’t been met with enthusiasm by Arab Americans. The Arab American community is calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and has put pressure on President Biden to advocate for it. Their dissatisfaction with Biden’s stance has been vocal and they have issued a clear ultimatum: no ceasefire, no votes in the next election. The shift in Arab American support is striking. In the 2020 election, 59 per cent of Arab Americans stated they would vote for Biden. However, in the current year, this number has plummeted to just 17 per cent. As the conflict in Gaza continues, there is the potential for further erosion of support. Significance of Arab American voters While the Arab American population represents only around 1 per cent of the total US population, their support can be influential especially in key swing states. In 2020, Arab American voters played a crucial role in flipping states like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Georgia from Republican to Democratic. Michigan, with one of the largest Arab American populations in the country, was won by Biden with their support. Biden’s re-election prospects heavily rely on maintaining Arab American support, which has been a significant factor in his previous victory. However, the community’s unhappiness extends beyond just the president; it also reflects discontent with the Democratic Party. Only 23 per cent of Arab Americans identify with the Democratic Party, the lowest number since 1996. Independents on the rise An increasing number of Arab Americans, approximately 31 per cent, now identify as Independents. This shift towards political independence raises questions about who they might vote for in the 2024 election. While they are dissatisfied with both major parties, it remains to be seen if they will gravitate towards a third-party candidate or remain unaffiliated. The Arab American community’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict and their shifting political affiliations could have significant implications for the 2024 election. Several factors, including the duration of the conflict and the extent of US support for Israel will shape the outcome not only for West Asia but also for President Biden’s political future. As the 2024 election approaches, Biden’s ability to navigate these challenges will be critical to securing another term in office. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.