Trump Demands 'Stop Bombing,' IDF Responds with More Bombs
While Al Jazeera notes Trump's ceasefire call as a point of defiance, it conveniently sidelines the persistent pattern: Washington says 'stop,' and the Netanyahu government escalates. This isn't a new script. For example, during Operation Protective Edge in 2014, then-Secretary of State John Kerry’s diplomatic efforts were similarly brushed aside as hundreds of Palestinian civilians were killed.
The U.S. continues to supply the munitions. In 2023 alone, the U.S. sent $3.3 billion in military aid to the Israeli government, according to USAID data. One might wonder if 'demands' without consequences are merely for domestic consumption. How many U.S. presidential 'ceasefire calls' have fallen on deaf ears, only to be followed by another multi-billion dollar aid package? It appears 'stop
bombing' is just a gentle suggestion when Congress, with figures like Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD) taking over $100,000 from pro-Israel PACs last cycle, continues to rubber-stamp unconditional military support. Perhaps the real 'demand' would come with an earnest threat to actual funding, not just a presidential tweet.