Activists Protest U.S. Support for Israel Amid Rising Risks of Wider Middle East Conflict, Reports Reuters

By Kanishka Singh

In various U.S. cities on Tuesday, protesters expressed their opposition to American military support for Israel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Anti-war activists called for an arms embargo against the U.S. ally, reflecting growing concerns over the potential for a broader conflict.

In New York City’s Herald Square, numerous demonstrators gathered in the evening, holding signs that proclaimed "Hands off Lebanon now" and "No U.S.-Israeli war on Lebanon." The protest was organized by the ANSWER coalition, which advocates for anti-war and anti-racism initiatives.

Chants of "Hands off the Middle East," "Free Palestine," and "Biden, Harris, Trump and Bibi; none are welcome in our city" echoed through the square, targeting U.S. President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Donald Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A smaller protest mirrored these sentiments near the White House on a rainy evening.

According to a statement from the ANSWER coalition, "Israel’s attacks in Lebanon and the ongoing siege and genocide in Gaza are made possible by the vast amounts of bombs, missiles, and warplanes provided by the U.S. government." Similar protests took place in other cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, San Antonio, and Phoenix.

Israel defends its military actions as self-defense against groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which it views as threats. Despite domestic and international criticism, the U.S. has continued its support for Israel throughout this conflict. In May, Biden characterized U.S. backing for Israel as "ironclad," while also advocating for an immediate ceasefire, stating, "What’s happening in Gaza is not genocide. We reject that."

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with reports of over 41,000 fatalities and significant displacement among its 2.3 million residents. Israel’s military response followed a major attack by Hamas on October 7 that reportedly killed around 1,200 people and saw about 250 taken hostage.

Israel’s recent military operations in Lebanon have resulted in over 560 fatalities, including 50 children, and around 1,800 injuries, as the country targets Hezbollah militants, who receive support from Iran. In retaliation, Hezbollah has reportedly launched rockets at Israeli positions.

This situation has heightened fears of a wider regional war that could further destabilize the Middle East. Global leaders convened this week in the U.S. to discuss the crisis, highlighting its urgent importance on the international agenda.