US Defends Israel, Calls Hamas the Real Threat

WASHINGTON: The United States has strongly condemned sanctions imposed by several allied nations on two Israeli ministers accused of inciting violence against Palestinians. In a statement on Wednesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “Israel is not the enemy — Hamas is,” as he defended Israeli officials Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir.

The ministers were recently sanctioned by the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, New Zealand, and Australia. Measures include travel bans and asset freezes, in response to inflammatory remarks and hardline policies by the two Israeli officials. The sanctions have sparked diplomatic tension among Western allies.

Sanctions May Undermine Ceasefire Efforts, Warns US

The US State Department criticized the sanctions, warning that they could disrupt international efforts aimed at ending the war in Gaza. “These restrictions hinder negotiations for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and broader peace efforts,” the statement said.

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While reiterating support for Israel’s right to self-defence, the US called on its allies to reconsider the punitive actions. The Biden administration believes such measures send the wrong signal during an already volatile situation in the Middle East.

US Urges Unity Among Allies

In a clear message to its Western partners, Washington stressed the importance of maintaining a united front in support of Israel. “We must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel in its fight against terrorism,” the State Department urged.

The statement marks a deepening divide between the US and other Western nations over how to respond to Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Despite growing international criticism of Israeli actions, the US remains firm in its diplomatic and military backing of its closest ally in the region.

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