A recent report from the Watson Institute of International and Public Affairs highlights the staggering financial burden on American taxpayers due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Since October 2023, the war waged by Israel against Gaza and Lebanon has reportedly cost the United States $22 billion.
The report also underscores that this figure only reflects publicly disclosed amounts, as bureaucratic methods have been used to obscure the full extent of aid and military assistance. A striking example involves the U.S. authorizing 100 separate arms deals with Israel between October 2023 and March 2024, each structured to bypass the reporting threshold for Congressional oversight.
ICC issues warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over alleged war crimes
The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during the war.
While the European Union and Canada pledged to honor the warrants, the U.S. vetoed a U.N. resolution calling for a ceasefire, drawing widespread criticism for obstructing global efforts to de-escalate the violence.
Adding to the controversy, Israel failed to meet a U.S.-imposed deadline to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza by facilitating aid entry. Despite these violations, the Biden administration has shown little willingness to enforce consequences, even as the humanitarian crisis deepens. This apparent leniency has raised questions about the administration’s unwavering support.
Rescuing hostages taken on October 7 appears to have been deprioritized by Netanyahu’s government, which seems focused on advancing a broader ideological agenda. The “Greater Israel” vision, often dismissed as a conspiracy theory, has been openly discussed by Israeli leaders, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who recently claimed Israel intends to expand “little by little” toward Damascus.
Netanyahu’s reliance on far-right allies to maintain power has further emboldened these expansionist goals. The conflict has already spread beyond Gaza and Lebanon to other areas, including parts of Beirut and regions bordering Syria, escalating regional tensions.
The question is no longer about Israel’s ambitions but rather why the Biden administration continues to prioritize unconditional support. This commitment comes at the expense of international law, global consensus, and American taxpayers, with billions being funneled into a conflict that undermines U.S. credibility.
This unwavering stance reflects a classic sunk-cost fallacy—persisting with resource investment despite unfavorable outcomes. Policymakers often justify escalating costs and lost lives as necessary to validate past commitments, while bureaucratic inertia and groupthink suppress critical reassessment.
A change in approach is urgently needed. The U.S. must reevaluate its foreign policy, ensuring its support aligns with values such as human rights, international law, and sustainable peace. Conditional assistance tied to these principles is vital for fostering stability and a viable two-state solution.
Persisting in this flawed strategy will only deepen the humanitarian crisis, damage America’s global reputation, and waste taxpayer money, further entrenching instability in the Middle East.
