The U.S. has paused the shipment of military assistance to Israel, signaling growing friction between the two allies over the war in Gaza. The decision to review future transfers of weapons, including precision-guided bombs, was made after Netanyahu’s government appeared to move closer to a Rafah operation despite the urging of Biden, other world leaders, and humanitarian officials. While the pause does not indicate a shift in policy, it reflects the mounting pressure on Netanyahu to end the conflict.
CIA Director William Burns is expected to be in Israel to consult with officials on cease-fire talks in Cairo. Hamas has accepted a proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel has stated that it is not meeting their demands. Negotiators are working to resolve differences over a truce deal that would secure the release of hostages. The Biden administration remains cautiously optimistic about the progress in negotiations but acknowledges that differences remain.
The delay in the arms shipment comes as the Biden administration is set to miss a deadline to submit a report to Congress on whether Israel is using U.S. weapons in accordance with international law. The report is mandated under a National Security Memo signed by Biden in February and requires an assessment of whether recipients of U.S. military assistance involved in combat are complying with international law. The administration is working to meet the deadline, but there is no indication of when the report will be forthcoming.
Biden has faced criticism at home and abroad for his handling of the conflict in Gaza and has clashed with Netanyahu over Israel’s military conduct. The U.S. has urged Israel not to launch a major ground operation in Rafah, where thousands of civilians are sheltering. The Israeli military’s operation in eastern Rafah has raised concerns about the impact on civilians, with aid groups warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe.
The decision to pause military assistance to Israel reflects the strained relationship between the U.S. and its ally over the conflict in Gaza. While the pause does not signal a change in policy, it underscores the growing pressure on Netanyahu to end the violence and seek a diplomatic solution. The Biden administration remains engaged in cease-fire negotiations and is working to ensure that U.S. weapons are being used in accordance with international law.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Biden administration is facing challenges in balancing its support for Israel with concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian crises. The decision to pause the arms shipment is part of a broader effort to address the situation in Gaza and push for a diplomatic resolution. The administration’s involvement in cease-fire talks and ongoing assessments of the use of U.S. weapons demonstrate its commitment to promoting stability and security in the region.
