State Department official quits over US military backing for Israel in Gaza war

A US official who worked on global arms transfers for the State Department has resigned due to opposition to the Biden administration’s decision to supply the IDF with additional military support in its war against Hamas.

“I am leaving today because I believe that in our current course with regards to the continued — indeed, expanded and expedited — provision of lethal arms to Israel — I have reached the end of that bargain,” reads a LinkedIn post from Josh Paul, who served as director of congressional and public affairs in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.

“Let me be clear: Hamas’ attack on Israel was not just a monstrosity; it was a monstrosity of monstrosities,” Paul continues. “But I believe to the core of my soul that the response Israel is taking, and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation, will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people — and is not in the long term American interest.”

Asked to comment on the resignation during a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Matt Miller says his office recognizes that employees have their own personal beliefs and encourages staff to voice those opinions, including when they are at odds with US policy.

However, Miller also says that the US backs Israel’s right to self-defense and will continue providing Israel with the means in order to enable Jerusalem to do that.

“We think they have not only a right but an obligation to defend themselves against these terrorist attacks, and I think any country would do that,” he says while clarifying that counter attacks by Israel should be conducted in a way that limits civilian casualties.