US President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that he would cease certain arms supplies if the country attacks Rafah in southern Gaza. In a televised interview with CNN, Biden expressed his concern over the civilian casualties caused by the dropping of US bombs in Israeli attacks.
“If they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used… to deal with the cities,” Biden emphasized. He further stated, “We’re not gonna supply the weapons and the artillery shells that have been used.”
The threat to cut artillery supplies comes after the US paused a shipment of large bombs due to concerns about Israel’s planned assault on Rafah, where over a million Palestinian civilians displaced by the war are seeking shelter near the Egyptian border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to enter Rafah as part of the campaign to eliminate Hamas following an attack by militants inside Israel. Despite US and international objections, Israel has already sent tanks into Rafah and seized the key border crossing with Egypt.
Biden clarified that Israel’s actions near the border have caused issues with Egypt, with whom the US has worked to maintain a relationship. While promising to ensure Israel’s security, Biden made it clear that support would be withheld if Israel targets population centers.
The President’s strong stance underscores the delicate balance of US-Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in the region.