featured
Marco Rubio Says Israel Decides, not the U.S. // GrayZone News
Grayzone News | Trusted Newsmaker
When U.S. Policy Takes a Backseat: Rubio, Israel, and the Question of Who Decides
In recent remarks, Senator Marco Rubio made it clear: when it comes to Israel’s security decisions — including the potential takeover of all remaining areas of Gaza — the U.S. is not in the driver’s seat. “Ultimately, it’s up to Israel,” Rubio stated, underscoring a position that raises questions about just how much influence Washington truly has in Middle East affairs.
The Three Problems Rubio Sees
Rubio identified what he calls the three interrelated issues in Gaza:
- Humanitarian Crisis: He acknowledged a worsening humanitarian problem, stressing that aid must reach civilians without benefiting Hamas.
- Hostage Situation: Around 20 hostages remain in dire conditions, a point Rubio emphasized as a major concern.
- The Existence of Hamas: As long as Hamas remains, Rubio believes lasting peace is impossible.
Continuity Between Administrations
Critics note that despite partisan rhetoric, U.S. policy toward Israel under Biden has been strikingly similar to Trump’s. The main difference, according to some analysts, is that the Biden administration allowed slightly more humanitarian aid into Gaza to preserve Israel’s international standing. Under Trump — and as Rubio appears to advocate — the siege was more absolute.
Biden officials, such as Jake Sullivan, have argued that continued arms shipments were necessary to maintain Israel’s readiness for potential conflicts with Hezbollah and Iran. However, detractors say this policy merely prolongs the cycle of violence while shielding Israel from diplomatic fallout.
The Role of “Liberal Zionists”
Some commentators argue that so-called “liberal Zionists” in U.S. politics serve a unique role: protecting Israel’s image in the West while avoiding direct confrontation over policies they privately recognize as problematic. This approach, they say, delays but does not prevent the erosion of international support for Israel — especially in Europe, where sanctions are increasingly discussed.
Netanyahu’s Expanding Influence
Underlying these debates is a deeper concern: the degree to which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu influences U.S. political discourse. From calls to unleash the National Guard on student protesters in the U.S. to demands for unflinching military aid, Netanyahu’s positions are rarely condemned by American leaders, even when they cross into overt foreign meddling.
In Rubio’s framing, this dynamic is not a problem — it’s a given. Washington may provide the resources, but Israel calls the shots.
Implications for U.S. Policy
The senator’s comments highlight a stark reality: the “special relationship” with Israel often functions less as a partnership and more as a blank check. With both major parties largely aligned on unconditional support, any shift would require not only political will but also a fundamental rethinking of U.S. foreign policy priorities.
Until then, the question is less about whether the U.S. supports Israel’s decisions — and more about whether it ever truly makes its own when it comes to the Middle East.
//
