President Joe Biden recently stated in an interview with CNN that the United States would not supply Israel with American weapons if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders an offensive on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. This marks a significant shift in the U.S.’ collaboration with Israel in its war against Hamas. Biden made it clear that if Israel invades Rafah, the U.S. will not be supplying weapons for use in the city. This statement comes after acknowledging that bombs provided by the U.S. have been used to kill civilians in Gaza.
Despite this stance, the U.S. will continue to provide Israel with defensive arms and resources for its Iron Dome defense system. However, the U.S. has decided to pause a weapons shipment to Israel due to concerns that they could be used against civilians in Rafah. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed this decision, emphasizing that Israel should not launch a major attack in Rafah without adequately safeguarding the civilians in the area. The paused shipment reportedly includes 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs.
Israeli officials have expressed frustration with the paused shipment and U.S. media briefings on the decision. The Israeli Defense Forces recently took control of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt following their rejection of a cease-fire proposal agreed to by Hamas. The IDF claims to have killed 20 Hamas operatives and discovered multiple tunnels during this operation. Despite international calls for peace, the IDF has vowed to continue its offensive in the region.
President Biden’s support for Israel’s war against Hamas has faced criticism from some Democrats who have raised concerns about humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for a halt to offensive weapons shipments to Israel. The ongoing conflict has resulted in casualties and destruction on both sides, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The situation remains tense, with no immediate resolution in sight. The U.S. government’s decision to pause the weapons shipment reflects a shift in its approach to the conflict and a recognition of the need to prioritize civilian protection in any military operations.