TL/DR –
The Biden administration paused a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel due to concerns about their potential use in Rafah, where over a million civilians are sheltering. Other weapon transfers from the US to Israel are being reviewed as part of an examination of US military aid to the country that began in April 2021. The decision represents a major policy shift for the Biden administration and the first known instance of the US denying military aid to its close ally since the Israel-Hamas war began.
US Halts Bomb Shipment to Israel Amid Policy Review
The Biden administration paused a shipment of approximately 3,500 bombs to Israel due to concerns of their potential use in Rafah, a region sheltering over one million civilians, a senior administration official reported.
Other weapon transfers, including the sale of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, are under increased scrutiny as part of a comprehensive review of US military aid to Israel initiated last April.
This policy shift marks the first known instance of the US denying military aid to its close ally since the Israel-Hamas war began.
The administration had previously been hesitant to withhold weapons from Israel, considering the long-standing contracts and the potential risk to Israel’s defense – a strategic priority for the US.
According to the official, the decision was made due to insufficient progress in US-Israeli discussions on humanitarian needs in Rafah.
“As Israeli leaders approached a decision point, we began to review proposed transfers of specific weapons to Israel for potential use in Rafah,” the official said.
More than half of the paused shipment consisted of 2,000-pound bombs, with the remaining 1,700 being 500-pound explosives. Concerns were raised about the impact of the larger bombs in densely populated areas, given past experiences in Gaza.
Other items under review include JDAM kits for precision bomb targeting. Other US officials confirmed this policy decision, on the day Israel started what was termed as a “precise operation” in Rafah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that operations in Rafah are necessary to eliminate Hamas.
While the White House refrained from discussing specifics, it reiterated the unwavering US support for Israel.
Top GOP lawmakers criticized the delay in arms shipments to Israel that had already been approved by Congress. “This is not Congress’ will,” said House Speaker Mike Johnson. “It’s an underhanded attempt to withhold aid, without facing accountability.”
Republican Senators Jodi Ernst and Ted Budd expressed their deep concerns about the Biden administration’s failure to notify Congress before withholding ammunition from Israel, in a letter to the President.
The shipments under review were sourced from previously appropriated funds, not from the latest aid bill passed by Congress, the official confirmed. The official also highlighted the additional $827 million in future weapons and equipment approved for Israel through Foreign Military Financing.
Axios first reported on Sunday that a US ammunition shipment to Israel had been delayed.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to provide more information on US policy during a Senate panel meeting on Wednesday.
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