There is barely any criticism of Israel from US civilian and military leadership, at least anything that carries any weight or has meaning. Meanwhile, acting senior Israeli officials, such as Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, and retired Israeli generals, like Itzhak Brik, are prominent in their criticism of the Israeli government’s self-destructive policies.

Likewise, mainstream US media is largely silent on Israeli war crimes and abuses. As far as we can tell, many American outlets, such as CNN, are still following the direction of the Israeli government and military censors. It is from Israeli media that we often learn of Israeli atrocities and crimes, including those that are systemic and deliberate, such as the widespread torture and sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli security forces and the use of artificial intelligence programs to increase civilian casualties rather than limit them. 

We would be much better served in this country if our leaders and corporate media offered such criticism and reporting towards a foreign government as Israeli leaders and media direct towards their own.