Senior State Department official resigns over US military aid to Israel

In a significant development, Josh Paul, a senior State Department official, resigned from his position, criticizing U.S. government actions in the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza.

Paul, an official in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, chose to resign because he strongly opposes continued U.S. military assistance to Israel.

In his more than 11 years of service, Paul was instrumental in managing arms transfers and maintaining relations with Congress for his office.

His resignation underscores a palpable internal dissent within the Biden administration, which has consistently supported close ties with Israel, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East.

His resignation reveals the hidden discontent brewing in President Biden’s diplomatic circles.

Troubled by the escalating violence, particularly the impact on Palestinian children, Paul questions the ethical justification for U.S. aid.

Israel’s current military goal of crushing Hamas and the movements of the population in Gaza are prompting the United Nations to warn of an impending humanitarian crisis.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s efforts to consolidate regional support for Israel’s defense have failed. His other mission to urge Israel to respect Gaza’s humanitarian needs has also not worked.

Paul’s public announcement of his resignation on LinkedIn, explaining his reasons, drew support from fellow diplomats and signaled that there was concern in the corridors of the State Department.