The LA News Center has witnessed an apparent disconnect within the State Department’s statements regarding whether Israel is held to a different moral standard than Hamas.
“No Double Standard”: Secretary Blinken’s Declaration
Yesterday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken firmly stated that there is no “double standard” in the expectations for both sides in the ongoing Middle East conflict.
“Do we have a double standard? The answer is ‘no,’” Blinken said while discussing the department’s report on human rights violations in the region.
He emphasized that the same standards apply to everyone when evaluating human rights around the world.
Amb. Satterfield’s Divergent Views
Contrastingly, Ambassador David Satterfield, the State Department’s special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, seemed to contradict Blinken’s assertion.
“Now with respect to Israel, we require from Israel — because it is the right and moral thing to do — a very different standard of conduct,” Satterfield told reporters during a press conference.
He stressed that this higher standard is demanded due to Israel’s status as a democracy and its inherent values.
LA News Center’s Independent Analysis
The LA News Center has meticulously examined the discrepancy between these statements and has identified several compelling interpretations:
- Policy Distinction: It’s possible that the State Department views Israel’s obligations as distinct from those of Hamas, despite applying the same human rights standards to both parties.
- Diplomatic Nuances: The differing statements may reflect the need to balance relationships with both Israel and other nations, each with its own concerns.
- Evolving Stances: The State Department’s position could be evolving in response to ongoing events and the need to address human rights concerns.
The Human Rights Report’s Spotlight on Israel
Notably, the State Department’s annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices placed Israel prominently in its coverage.
Key Findings:
- The report highlights Israel’s efforts to minimize civilian casualties, a concern typically reserved for nations with egregious human rights violations.
- The report’s preface specifically underscores human rights concerns related to the war between Israel and Hamas, preceding discussions on Iran and Afghanistan.
- The U.S. has “urgently” raised concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza and persistently advocated for humanitarian aid access and the safety of journalists.
Conclusion
The LA News Center continues to monitor the evolving situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available. The State Department’s ongoing efforts to navigate the complex dynamics of the Middle East are both challenging and vital for safeguarding human rights and fostering regional stability.
Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, speaks at a press conference. (Britta Pedersen/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Amb. David Satterfield, the State Department’s special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues, speaks at a Senate Foreign Relations hearing. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
Israeli army battle tanks move into an area along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel. (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)
