Andrew Miller, a senior US State Department official with expertise in Israeli-Palestinian affairs, has resigned amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, which has claimed the lives of over 37,400 Palestinians. Miller, the deputy assistant secretary for Israeli-Palestinian affairs, cited personal reasons for his decision to step down, according to a report by The Washington Post on Friday. He expressed a desire to spend more time with his family, noting that the current conflict, which began in October, had become “all-consuming.
Miller had previously been critical of President Joe Biden’s strong support for Israel’s government, particularly its “bear hug” approach, which he believed was problematic. His resignation adds to a series of departures from the Biden administration, as frustration grows over the administration’s continued backing of Israel amidst the war in Gaza.
Despite his departure, Miller made it clear to colleagues that if not for his personal obligations, he would have preferred to remain in his position, even in areas where his views diverged from the administration’s policies. Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett reported that this resignation reflects the increasing discontent within the Biden administration regarding the president’s firm stance on Israel’s actions in Gaza. There have been several high-profile resignations, with some former officials accusing the president of distorting facts, turning a blind eye, or even being complicit in the ongoing loss of Palestinian lives.
Miller had previously played a key role in shaping US policy on Israeli settlements, including contributing to an executive order in February that imposed sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of attacking Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank. Before his current role, Miller was a senior policy adviser to the US Ambassador to the United Nations and worked on military issues related to Egypt and Israel during the Obama administration.
His resignation follows other notable departures, including that of Major Harrison Mann, a former US Army officer who resigned from the Defense Intelligence Agency in November over his objection to US support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. The conflict has also prompted protests, including a tragic incident in February when US airman Aaron Bushnell died after setting himself on fire in protest outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, DC.
Protests against the war are expected to continue, especially as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to address a joint session of Congress next month. A large number of congressional members have already indicated they plan to boycott his speech, signaling ongoing tensions over US support for Israel during the Gaza conflict.
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