WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden has announced that the United States will not supply offensive weapons to Israel for use in an all-out assault on Rafah, citing concerns for the well-being of civilians in the area.
Concerns Over Civilian Casualties Prompt U.S. Decision
President Biden revealed in an interview with CNN that while the U.S. remains committed to Israel’s defense, it will not provide weapons and artillery shells if Israel decides to launch a full-scale attack on Rafah, the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza. This decision follows growing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza, where heavy bombs supplied by the U.S. have reportedly caused civilian deaths. Biden’s remarks mark a shift in the U.S.’s approach to military aid to Israel.
Growing Divide Between U.S. and Israel
The decision to withhold certain weapons comes amid increasing tensions between the Biden administration and the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite reaffirming U.S. support for Israel’s security, President Biden has emphasized the need for Israel to do more to protect civilians in Gaza.
Details of the Weapon Shipment Pause
According to a senior U.S. administration official, the paused shipment was supposed to include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. The focus of U.S. concern was the potential use of these larger explosives in densely populated urban areas like Rafah. President Biden clarified that the U.S. remains committed to ensuring Israel’s defense but is refraining from supplying weapons that could exacerbate civilian casualties.
Mixed Reactions to the Decision
The decision to pause the shipment of certain weapons has elicited mixed reactions. While some, like Sen. Lindsey Graham, have criticized the move, arguing that it could jeopardize Israel’s security, others, including Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, have praised it as a necessary step to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Potential Diplomatic Implications
The U.S. decision to withhold certain weapons from Israel is seen by some as a diplomatic message to the Netanyahu government. While it is not a complete embargo on military support, it reflects growing concerns within the Biden administration about Israel’s military actions and their impact on civilian populations.
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