Biden Halts Israel Arms Shipment Over Rafah Attack Dispute
TL/DR –
President Biden has halted a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel amid concerns that they could be used in an assault on the city of Rafah, where over one million Gazans have sought refuge. This marks the first time since the Hamas-led terrorist attack in October that Biden has used his power to control arms in an attempt to influence Israel’s approach to the war. The decision has been made as the administration reviews whether to hold back future transfers, including kits that convert dumb bombs into precision-guided munitions.
President Biden Holds Back Arms Shipment to Israel
Last week, President Biden put a hold on an arms shipment to Israel in a bid to prevent the weapons from being used in a potential assault on the city of Rafah, according to administration officials. This demonstrates the increasing tension between Washington and Jerusalem over the ongoing war.
The delayed armaments include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs that Biden feared could be used in Rafah, where over a million Gazans have sought refuge. The administration is also reviewing possible restrictions on future transfers, such as guidance kits that can transform conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions.
This decision to postpone the delivery of 3,500 bombs marks the first time Biden has leveraged his authority to withhold arms to influence Israel’s approach to the war since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack. Congressional Democrats have been appealing for him to limit or halt arms shipments to Israel, but until now Biden has resisted due to his strong support for the campaign against Hamas.
Israeli Officials Disclose Arms Pause
Israeli officials revealed the halt in weapons to Axios this week, but U.S. officials kept mum until Tuesday night. Their disclosure indicates growing frustration within the administration over Israeli disregard for U.S. warnings against a substantial operation in Rafah which could lead to significant civilian casualties.
The U.S. administration began reviewing arms shipments when it became evident that Israel was leaning toward a Rafah operation. Initially, Biden insisted on an effective plan to mitigate civilian casualties but lately, the White House has expressed doubts about the feasibility of such a plan.
Uncertain Future of Arms Shipments
The administration is not putting a complete stop to all weapons to Israel and has not yet made a final decision regarding the arms delayed last week. They have, however, approved aid worth $827 million in weapons and equipment. The officials emphasized concerns over the damage that could be done by the 2,000-pound bombs in a densely populated area like Rafah, and the decision to send the JDAM guidance kits is still pending.
Biden administration officials expressed particular dismay on Tuesday when Israel seized the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing, obstructing efforts to deliver humanitarian aid. The move was followed by international agencies’ warnings about the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Tensions Rise Between Biden and Netanyahu
Tensions between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been escalating steadily. During a call a month ago, Biden threatened to reconsider U.S. support for the war if Israel did not adjust its course.
Israel, which relies heavily on U.S. aid to arm its military, has recently used American support to intercept over 300 missiles and drones fired at it by Iran. The successful defense underscores the importance of American assistance to Israel’s security.
Last week’s suspension of the bombs coincided with Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken’s upcoming report to Congress assessing whether Israel has used American weapons in compliance with U.S. and international law. The eagerly anticipated report could incite intense debate about American responsibility for Israel’s war.
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