Why Is Anyone Surprised by the US and Israel’s Latest War? It’s only What the World Allowed Them to Do in Gaza | Owen Jones

Why It Matters

The analysis shows how political complacency and media silence can legitimize escalating violence, reshaping U.S. foreign policy and destabilizing the Middle East. Recognizing this pattern is crucial for policymakers, investors, and advocates seeking accountability.

Key Takeaways

• US‑Israeli war on Iran follows Gaza war normalization
• Over 200 killed in single day of Israeli strikes in Lebanon
• AIPAC spent $221 m on U.S. political influence since Dec 2021
• Western media largely ignored Gaza war crimes and subsequent threats
• ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders were ignored by Western governments

Pulse Analysis

The United States has long positioned Israel as a cornerstone of its Middle‑East strategy, providing diplomatic cover and billions in military aid. After the 2023‑24 Gaza conflict, which saw over 20,000 Palestinian children killed and widespread destruction of schools and hospitals, the international community’s outrage faded, creating a permissive environment for further aggression. This erosion of normative constraints allowed Washington to openly threaten Iran with what Jones describes as genocidal language, linking the Gaza precedent to a new front of conflict.

Lobbying power plays a pivotal role in sustaining this trajectory. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has poured roughly $221 million into U.S. political campaigns and advocacy since December 2021, reinforcing pro‑Israel narratives across both parties. Coupled with a media landscape that often mirrors official talking points, critical coverage of war crimes and civilian casualties has been scarce. Journalists fearing career repercussions or accusations of bias have largely stayed silent, further dulling public scrutiny and enabling policymakers to pursue escalatory actions with limited accountability.

The consequences extend beyond the immediate theater of war. Normalizing large‑scale civilian harm undermines international law, weakens the credibility of institutions like the International Criminal Court, and raises the risk of broader regional conflagrations. As Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon claim hundreds of lives and damage infrastructure, the precedent set in Gaza signals a dangerous shift where the line between permissible and unlawful force blurs. For investors, NGOs, and governments, recognizing this pattern is essential to mitigate geopolitical risk and advocate for stronger media independence and legal enforcement.