The recent attacks by Hamas terrorists in Israel have sent shockwaves across the world, especially America. However, the response has been drastically different than the last great conflict between the two groups just two years ago in 2021.
This week President Joe Biden (D) has been very adamantly in support of Israel, making several public statements with his personal condolences and political backing of the nation. However, this was not the reality for the White House the last time conflict arose in the same region.
In 2021, then-Press Secretary Jen Psaki awkwardly evaded questions regarding the conflict and even went as far as saying that there were "no plans" to replenish Israel's Iron Dome program. The United States quietly sold Israel $735 million worth of weapons.
Just 2 days ago however, President Biden stated himself to the world media that US support for Israel is "rock solid" and said Israel "has the right to defend itself and its people, full stop." While Biden may be regarded as a moderate compared to some in his party, even US Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has slightly changed her tune.
2 years ago, Congresswoman Omar called foreign aid to Israel "An act of terrorism." Omar also gained notoriety a few years ago for brushing over the September 11th attacks, and her congressional record, which Republicans have charged with being anti-semitic, earned the "Squad" the title of the "Jihad Squad" by US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA).
In light of the recent conflict, Omar did not come out guns blazing as she usually does, but instead offered a humanitarian sentiment regarding the matter.
"Reminder, Gaza doesn't have shelters or an iron dome and to please pray for them. May peace prevail in the region and move us towards a moral awakening to care about the human suffering we are seeing. Palestinians are human beings who have been in besieged and are deserving of protection from the international community," said Omar on X.
Subsequently, corporations and organizations such as NBA teams have issued statements of solidarity with Israel. This type of messaging would have been unpalatable for corporations or left-leaning politicians in 2021, so what changed? It is safe to say that when who is in the wrong is more clear cut, anyone is willing to fold on what they may believe to save face in the public eye.
