Washington, D.C. – A State Department official recently resigned and has since vocally criticized President Biden’s policy towards Israel, calling it “horrific” and accusing the administration of enabling violence in Gaza. Annelle Sheline, who worked in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, announced her resignation in a media tour where she condemned the administration’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Sheline’s departure marks a notable exit from the State Department, echoing a similar move last October by another senior official who stepped down due to disagreements over U.S. support for Israel. In her resignation letter, Sheline expressed her strong belief in promoting human rights in the Middle East but found it increasingly challenging to continue working for a government that she believes is complicit in potential atrocities in Gaza, as noted by the International Court of Justice.
Following her resignation, Sheline has spoken to various media outlets, including CNN, CNN International, and “Democracy Now!”, shedding light on her decision to step down and speak out against the administration’s policies. She emphasized the importance of public pressure in influencing policy shifts within the administration, highlighting the impact of raising awareness on critical issues.
While State Department spokesman Matthew Miller explained that Sheline was on a fellowship that could have lasted two years, she opted not to return for a second year. He emphasized the importance of differing viewpoints and open discussions within the department, acknowledging that individuals must make decisions about their future employment based on their beliefs and principles.
Critics of Sheline, such as pro-Israel activist Michael Freund, have condemned her for not addressing Hamas’s violent actions and focusing solely on criticizing the administration’s handling of the conflict. Despite the backlash, Sheline’s resignation has sparked conversations about U.S. foreign policy and the complexities of navigating human rights issues in the Middle East.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in a significant loss of life, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting thousands of casualties since the war began. As the situation continues to unfold, Sheline’s resignation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals working in diplomatic positions amid contentious international crises.