In a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday his intention to halt certain shipments of American weapons to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah in Gaza.
The decision comes amid mounting pressure, including from within his own party, to restrict arms shipments to Israel due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While Biden has previously supported Israel’s efforts against Hamas, the prospect of a major invasion of Rafah, where over a million Palestinian civilians reside, appears to have influenced his decision. President Biden made this announcement during an exclusive interview with CNN.
Acknowledging the civilian casualties caused by American weapons in Gaza, President Biden stated, “Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they go after population centers.” He specifically referred to the 2,000-pound bombs, the shipments of which he had paused last week. Biden emphasized that he had made it clear to Israeli leadership that the supply of certain weapons historically used in such invasions would be halted if they proceed with an invasion of Rafah.
This announcement marks a significant turning point in the seven-month conflict between Israel and Hamas. Biden’s acknowledgment of the role of American weaponry in civilian casualties underscores the United States’ involvement in the conflict.
Biden clarified that while defensive weapons, such as those for the Iron Dome air defense system, will continue to be supplied to Israel, shipments of other offensive weapons will cease if a major ground invasion of Rafah occurs. The administration has already paused a shipment of “high-payload munitions” due to Israel’s potential operations in Rafah, pending consideration of the civilian impact.
This move has elicited frustration from Israeli officials, who privately expressed concerns to their U.S. counterparts. Biden’s public linkage of American weapons shipments to Israeli conduct could further strain relations between himself and Netanyahu. However, Biden reiterated that his administration stands firm on limiting support for operations in heavily populated areas.
As tensions escalate in the region, Biden emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships, particularly with Egypt, which borders Rafah. He stated, “I’ve made it clear to Bibi and the war cabinet: They’re not going to get our support if, in fact, they go on these population centers.”
Comments