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Biden Administration

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We are beginning to see how Israel’s next far-rightwing government will make things difficult for the White House through the de facto annexation of the West Bank. And the early indications from Joe Biden’s administration indicate a continuation of the weak responses that have characterized his policy toward Israel for decades.

Palestinian journalists hold posters displaying Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh on May 11, 2022, in the West Bank city of Hebron. The poster reads in Arabic, "the Martyrdom of Journalist Shireen Abu Akleh". (Photo: Mamoun Wazwaz/APA Images)

After months of pressure from activists, human rights groups, progressive lawmakers, and members of her family the FBI is finally launching a probe into the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. The fact that the announcement was made shortly after the Israeli and U.S. elections can hardly be a coincidence.

Lina Abu Akleh, the niece of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, speaks at the U.S. Capitol during a trip to Washington, Wednesday, July 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Nathan Ellgren)

In a surprising but welcome development, the United States’ Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Israel’s killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Almost immediately, Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz declared that Israel would refuse to assist with the investigation.

Although it is unlikely the U.S. investigation will lead to meaningful accountability, Israel’s refusal to cooperate should raise questions about the US/Israeli relationship.