Crossing the Red Line

Following Hamas’s October 7 attack, this book argues, the Biden administration embraced Israel’s military campaign in Gaza with US-provided bombs that were soon massacring Palestinians while Washington did little to free hostages or shield civilians. Government experts dissented and protests broke out nationwide. Still, Joe Biden denied he was providing a blank check to Benjamin Netanyahu. He said he had a red line for Israel—but kept weapons flowing after it was crossed. Through extensive reporting, award-winning journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed chronicles decision-making inside a White House that resisted criticism or course correction as its failures became undeniable. As Biden followed America’s worst instincts in foreign policy, he paved the way for Donald Trump to continue down an even darker path. Featuring sharp insights into the workings of the president’s inner circle and America’s national security establishment, Crossing the Red Line will be essential to understanding the US role in global affairs for decades to come.