US Warns Israel about Supplying Weapons
The US Warns Israel about Supplying Weapons
In a significant move, US President Joe Biden publicly warned Israel on Wednesday that the US would cease supplying them with weapons if Israeli forces conducted a major invasion of Rafah, a densely populated city in southern Gaza. This marks the first time that such a warning has been issued by the US to Israel.
Biden’s Strongest Public Language to Deter an Israeli Assault
During an interview with CNN, President Biden stated, “I made it clear that if they go into Rafah… I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities – that deal with that problem.” These comments represent Biden’s strongest public language to date in his efforts to deter an Israeli assault on Rafah, while also highlighting a growing rift between the US and its strongest ally in the Middle East.
Concerns over Civilian Casualties
Biden acknowledged that US weapons have been used by Israel to kill civilians in Gaza, where Israel has been conducting an offensive aimed at annihilating Hamas for the past seven months. The Gaza health ministry reported that Israel’s campaign has resulted in the deaths of 34,789 Palestinians, predominantly civilians. Biden expressed concern over the civilian casualties, stating, “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers.” He specifically mentioned the 2,000-pound bombs sent to Israel, which have caused significant damage.
While Israel recently attacked Rafah, where over one million Palestinians have sought refuge, Biden clarified that he did not consider these strikes a full-scale invasion since they did not target “population centers.” However, in response to the situation, the US has paused a shipment of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs that were intended for Israel.
US Concerns and Defensive Weapon Supply
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III publicly acknowledged President Biden’s decision to hold up the delivery of heavy bombs out of concern for Rafah. The US opposes a major Israeli invasion without adequate safeguards for civilians. It is clear that the US is taking a stance to protect civilian lives and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Despite the warning and the pause in the delivery of certain weapons, President Biden emphasized that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Israel, including the Iron Dome air defense system. He stated, “We’re going to continue to make sure Israel is secure in terms of Iron Dome and their ability to respond to attacks that came out of the Middle East recently.” However, he made it clear that the US would not supply weapons and artillery shells for offensive purposes.
The US’s decision to publicly warn Israel and halt the delivery of certain weapons demonstrates a shift in the dynamics between the two nations. It highlights the US’s commitment to protecting civilian lives and promoting peace in the region, while also acknowledging the need for Israel’s security.
