President Biden announced that American bombs have been used to kill Palestinian civilians and warned that the United States would withhold certain weapons if Israel were to launch an assault in southern Gaza. He assured that the U.S. would still support Israel’s security by providing the Iron Dome missile defense system and the ability to respond to attacks but would block weapons that could be used in densely populated areas. This decision came after the U.S. had halted the shipment of 3,500 bombs last week over concerns of a potential assault on Rafah, showing a new strategy of using U.S. arms to influence how the war is conducted.
The growing rift between the United States and Israel over the war in Gaza has led to President Biden leveraging American weapons to pressure Israel in its response to the conflict. While Biden has been steadfast in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, he has vocalized his disagreement with the invasion of Rafah and frustration with Israel’s bombing tactics. However, despite U.S. warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will proceed with eradicating Hamas even if it has to do so alone. The Israeli war cabinet voted to move forward with an assault in Rafah, and Israeli forces have already initiated targeted strikes against Hamas.
Mr. Biden has made it clear to Israeli leaders that the U.S. will not support a full-scale invasion that targets densely populated areas in Gaza. He views the ongoing Israeli operations in Rafah as problematic, especially in their impact on key allies like Egypt involved in cease-fire negotiations and humanitarian aid delivery. The President emphasized that America is not stepping back from supporting Israel’s security but rather from supporting Israel’s ability to wage war in areas where civilian populations reside. However, he stressed the need for a more measured approach to avoid further escalation and civilian casualties.
In response to protests on college campuses labeling him as “Genocide Joe,” President Biden acknowledged the message of those young Americans and expressed his awareness of public sentiment regarding the conflict in Gaza. He has been grappling with the delicate balance of standing by Israel while urging restraint in its military actions to minimize civilian harm. The Biden administration plans to provide a report to Congress this week assessing Israel’s adherence to U.S. and international laws in its use of American weapons during the conflict, highlighting the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship during this tumultuous time in the Middle East. President Biden’s statements reveal a more nuanced and cautious approach to U.S. support for Israel in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
