The Biden administration is working to complete a crucial report to Congress this week on whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law during its war in Gaza, a decision that could have significant implications and potentially further divide opinions at home and abroad. The report has been a source of controversy within the administration, with some expressing doubts over Israel’s adherence to international law while using US weapons during the conflict. The report will also assess whether Israel has hindered the delivery of US humanitarian aid, coming at a critical moment in the war as tensions escalate between Israel and Hamas.
Under pressure from Democrats in Congress, President Biden agreed to issue a new national security memorandum in February to evaluate Israel’s use of US weapons in its conflict with Hamas. The report is expected to determine the credibility and reliability of Israel’s assurances regarding its use of US weapons within international human rights law. However, there are indications that the report to be submitted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken may be slightly delayed, raising anticipation and speculations among congressional sources.
The report, which will cover the time period from January 2023 to present, has been drafted by the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs with input from other parts of the agency, along with collaboration from the Defense Department and National Security Council. While the report itself does not mandate a change in US policy, its findings could potentially trigger policy adjustments. Israeli officials have been closely monitoring the report’s development, concerned that it could lead to pressure on the US to condition military aid to Israel or evoke internal political challenges within the Netanyahu government.
Despite growing concerns over human rights violations during the Gaza conflict, the Biden administration has yet to take punitive measures or restrict military assistance to Israel. Various reports and assessments have pointed to violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws by Israeli forces using US-supplied weapons. However, the administration has refrained from taking immediate action, opting to issue warnings and demands for Israel to address the humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict. Calls from Congress, particularly from Democrats, have urged the administration to scrutinize Israel’s assurances and evidence more thoroughly before making further decisions regarding military assistance.
The involvement of members of Congress, with both Democrats and Republicans expressing their views on the administration’s approaches, highlights the complex and divisive nature of the issue. Democratic senators and House members have called for more stringent reviews of Israel’s compliance with international law and have emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making. While some Republicans have criticized the national security memorandum as excessive bureaucracy, the House and Senate foreign affairs committees are closely monitoring the report’s progress. The situation remains fluid as stakeholders await the final report from Secretary Blinken and potential actions by the administration in response to its findings.
As multiple voices weigh in on the implications of the report and potential consequences for US-Israel relations, the Biden administration faces a delicate balancing act between upholding human rights standards and supporting its longstanding ally. The report’s revelations on Israel’s conduct during the Gaza conflict, especially in the context of the use of US weapons and humanitarian aid, could have far-reaching effects on US foreign policy and international relations. With heightened tensions and expectations surrounding the report’s release, the administration’s response and subsequent actions will likely shape the ongoing debate on Israel’s actions and US involvement in the region.
