Jill Biden, the first lady of the United States, has been a strong voice in urging an end to civilian casualties in Gaza. At a meeting with Muslim community members at the White House, President Biden shared that his wife had been urging him to end the conflict, saying, “Stop it, stop it now.” White House officials clarified that Jill Biden was not calling for Israel to cease its efforts against Hamas but wanted more protection for civilians. This sentiment is shared by other allies of President Biden, including Senator Chris Coons, who are pushing for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to the war.
Jill Biden’s influence on her husband’s decisions stems from her role as one of the few people who can offer him an unvarnished opinion on policy matters. As someone who has been against American involvement in overseas conflicts in the past, Dr. Biden’s stance on the Gaza conflict is particularly significant. She supported her husband’s decision to withdraw American troops from Afghanistan and has a personal connection to the issue, given that her son Beau served in Iraq. Unlike previous conflicts, there are no American troops on the ground in Gaza, but President Biden’s support for Israel has faced backlash from Democratic voters.
Despite public outrage over civilian casualties in Gaza, there is no indication that Jill Biden’s private urgings have influenced President Biden to change his policy towards Israel. The president has expressed outrage over the deaths of aid workers targeted by Israeli airstrikes but is still scheduled to speak with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mr. Biden’s unwavering support for Israel has drawn criticism from Democratic voters in battleground states, who have threatened to withdraw their support for him. This has made it difficult for the first lady to engage in campaigning, as she has been interrupted by protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza at various events.
The first lady’s emotional response to the topic of war, particularly in relation to her son Beau’s military service, demonstrates her personal connection to the issue. Unlike previous conflicts, the conflict in Gaza has put President Biden at odds with the majority of Americans, who oppose the Israeli campaign. While the first lady is not calling for Israel to cease its efforts against Hamas, she, like her husband, is heartbroken over the loss of innocent lives. President Biden’s steadfast support for Israel has led to growing discontent among Democrats, who are urging him to do more to end the conflict and provide aid to Gaza.
As President Biden continues to face criticism over his handling of the Gaza conflict, his conversations with allies, including Senator Coons, and his discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu will be crucial in determining the future direction of U.S. policy in the region. The influence of Jill Biden within the president’s inner circle, as well as her personal connection to the issue, will likely continue to play a significant role in shaping the administration’s response to the conflict. Whether this pressure from within the White House will lead to a shift in policy remains to be seen, but it is clear that the first lady’s stance on civilian casualties in Gaza is a powerful force within the administration.
