Shifting Sands: U.S. Opposition to Israeli Ground Assault on Gaza

The United States’ opposition to Israel’s potential ground assault on Gaza can be understood in the context of shifting global dynamics. The Israeli government’s readiness to initiate ground operations along the Gaza border has been met with resistance from the U.S., a development that can be attributed to several key factors.

Firstly, the Western Asian region no longer holds the same strategic importance for the U.S. as it once did. This shift can be attributed to the challenging and costly nature of the region, as well as the emergence of China as a potential threat, which has redirected Washington’s focus towards East Asia.

Secondly, the decreasing significance of oil in international politics and economics due to the rise of alternative energy sources and the digital economy has also contributed to this change. This is evident in the lack of turbulence in oil markets despite ongoing operations in Al-Aqsa.

Since 2011, the U.S. has been implementing a policy of decentralization from West Asia, delegating many of its regional objectives and responsibilities to allies such as Saudi Arabia, Israel, NATO, and Britain. This is exemplified by U.S. efforts to normalize relations between Arab countries and Israel through the Abraham Accords, with the aim of empowering regional security forces to counter Iran.

However, an Israeli ground assault on Gaza would necessitate military and logistical support from Washington, contradicting U.S. decentralization objectives. From this perspective, any potential ground attack by Israel on Gaza is seen as a double-edged sword for both Tel Aviv and Washington, which is increasingly reluctant to directly intervene in West Asia’s security affairs.