New Book Details Biden Administration's Post-October 7th Israel Policy

A new book by journalist Akram Shahid Ahmed, "Crossing the Red Line: Biden, His Advisors, and Israel’s War in Gaza," alleges that the Biden administration, despite internal warnings, largely prioritized supporting Israel after the October 7th attacks. The book, based on approximately 175 interviews, claims President Biden personally intervened to persuade Senator Bernie Sanders to delay a vote against arms deals with Israel, allegedly by providing misleading information.

The book portrays a tight inner circle, including Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and Middle East envoy Brett McGurk, as dismissing expert and official warnings about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It suggests that only a handful of U.S. officials maintained regular contact with Palestinians.

Sullivan is depicted as privately questioning reports of starvation in Gaza, a claim his spokesperson denied, stating he publicly acknowledged the suffering and ensured U.S. actions complied with the law. McGurk is described as reprimanding colleagues for setting stricter standards for Israel than the U.S. had for its own operations against ISIS. The book also claims McGurk sought a role in the incoming Trump administration after the 2024 election but was rejected.

Despite Biden declaring a "red line" on a broad operation in Rafah, the administration continued arms transfers after Israel entered the city, with Blinken reportedly playing a key role in interpreting the line as not crossed. While a State Department team recommended withholding aid from units like the Netzah Yehuda battalion due to human rights violations, Blinken delayed a decision for months. The administration did eventually delay some arms shipments, including heavy bombs and bulldozers, though former President Trump later rescinded a freeze on heavy bombs.

The book also touches on Vice President Kamala Harris, who is described as more sensitive to Palestinian suffering than Biden but not a central policy shaper. Her campaign was characterized as "98% Biden-land," and she and her team viewed Gaza primarily as an issue for Arab and Muslim voters. Harris has recently engaged with pro-Palestinian activists, though the book suggests they remain unconvinced.