What’s happening
A coalition of pro-Palestinian demonstrators, identifying themselves as “Occupy Blinken”, are staging an ongoing occupation outside U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s residence. This movement is a response to the Biden administration’s support for Israel amidst tensions with Hamas. An estimated 100 individuals have taken turns protesting over the last few weeks, with a persistent group enduring the elements overnight in tents.
Why it matters
This protest reflects the deep divisions within American politics over the U.S.-Israel relationship and the recent conflict in Gaza. As the protest targets a high-profile Biden administration official, it signals a notable disapproval of current foreign policy from the American left-wing base. The intense anguish at Blinken’s address—with aggressive signs and even an instance of splattered fake blood—spotlights the heightened emotional charge around the conflict.
The Bigger Picture
The focus is primarily on Blinken, but similar displeasure has been directed at other U.S. officials, such as National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, and these protests have extended to interrupting President Joe Biden’s public events. Despite approval for Israel’s actions in Gaza, the Biden administration has shown willingness to diverge from Israeli policies, recently exemplified by imposing sanctions on Israeli settlers involved in violence in the West Bank.
Blinken’s Stance
Secretary Blinken has outwardly expressed his concern over the considerable number of Palestinian casualties reported in the current conflict, describing the reported civilian death toll as “gut-wrenching.” Reports from Hamas-controlled health ministries in Gaza put the death toll at over 27,000, a figure which includes casualties from all sides, and is marked with ambiguities concerning the actual number of combatants.
Further Engagement
Blinken is scheduled to make his sixth trip to Israel this Saturday since hostilities began. His visits underline the United States’ engagement in the region and highlight its ongoing role as a significant player in Middle East politics and conflict resolution efforts.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.