US struggles to influence Israel's military actions amid rising tensions in the Middle East

The U.S. has struggled to influence Israel's military actions in the Middle East, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Despite President Biden's repeated calls for restraint, Israel has escalated its military campaign in Gaza and Lebanon, often ignoring U.S. requests. This situation reflects a concept known as "moral hazard," where Israel feels insulated from consequences due to America's strong support. The U.S. has provided significant security assistance while facing rising tensions, including missile attacks from Iranian-backed groups. To address this issue, some suggest the U.S. adopt a strategy of "strategic ambiguity." This approach would involve making U.S. commitments to Israel less certain, potentially encouraging more cautious behavior from Israel in its military actions.