President Joe Biden made a bold statement on Wednesday, declaring that the U.S. would not supply offensive weapons to Israel for an all-out assault on Rafah, the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza. This decision was made out of concern for the well-being of the more than 1 million civilians sheltering in the area.
While the U.S. remains committed to Israel’s defense and will provide defensive arms like Iron Dome rocket interceptors, Biden emphasized that offensive weapons would not be supplied if Israel were to launch an attack on Rafah. This decision marks a significant shift in the relationship between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
The pause in a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel was a direct result of Biden’s concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. The focus of U.S. concern was on the potential use of larger explosives in a densely populated urban area like Rafah.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the weapons delay, stating that the U.S. was reviewing security assistance shipments in light of the unfolding events in Rafah. The Biden administration is also set to deliver a formal verdict on whether the airstrikes on Gaza have violated international and U.S. laws designed to protect civilians in times of war.
The decision to pause the shipment of heavy bombs has drawn mixed reactions, with some criticizing Biden for weakening support for Israel, while others see it as a necessary step to prevent further civilian casualties. The U.S.-Israel relationship has faced moments of tension in the past, with U.S. leaders using aid as leverage to influence Israeli actions.