Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf testified before the Senate on Tuesday, stating that the Biden administration does not believe Israel can destroy Hamas through military action alone. Leaf made the admission in response to Sen. Ted Cruz’s (R-TX) questioning, which focused on the administration’s policy towards Iran and the Middle East.
Leaf described the recent turmoil in the region as a series of “black swan events,” rather than the result of administration policy. She acknowledged that Iranian oil exports have increased significantly under President Joe Biden, rising from 300,000 to 2 million barrels per day.
Cruz pressed Leaf on Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, asking if the administration supported Israel’s goal of destroying the group. Leaf confirmed that the administration does support this goal, but Cruz then asked why the administration is backing a ceasefire deal. Leaf replied that the administration does not believe that “military means alone” can destroy Hamas.
When Cruz asked if it is the administration’s position that it is impossible to defeat Hamas through military means, Leaf answered affirmatively. She did not elaborate on what alternative means the administration would use to achieve its goal.
