In a surprise announcement, the U.S. Department of Justice said the FBI was launching an investigation into Israel’s killing of Palestinian-American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh. What was not a surprise was Israel’s reaction.
Outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz and outgoing Prime Minister Yair Lapid both blasted the American decision, as did Ted Cruz, who said, that “everyone involved in this disgraceful stunt should be investigated and then either fired or impeached.”
Why did the DoJ do this now? What does it mean for the Biden White House and the State Department? And, most importantly, what are the implications for advocacy for Palestinian rights in Washington? This piece at Mondoweiss works through these questions.