Biden Announces U.S. Will Not Provide Weapons to Israel for Attacks on Rafah

President Biden took a bold stance on Wednesday, acknowledging that American bombs supplied to Israel had been used to kill civilians in Gaza. In an interview with CNN, he warned that he would not provide artillery shells and other weapons if Israel proceeded with a threatened ground offensive in southern Gaza.

The President emphasized that while the United States would continue to support Israel’s defenses, including the Iron Dome, he would block the delivery of weapons that could target urban areas like Rafah if the assault were to happen.

This move highlights a growing divide between the US and its closest Middle East ally over the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. Last week, Biden halted the shipment of 3,500 bombs out of concern for their potential use in a major assault on Rafah, where many Palestinians have sought refuge.

When questioned about the use of American bombs to kill civilians in Gaza, Biden acknowledged the consequences of such actions. The United States is the largest supplier of weapons to Israel, and Biden’s decision to withhold certain weapons marks a significant shift in US policy towards the conflict.

While Biden did not classify Israel’s strikes in Rafah as a full-scale invasion, he noted that they were close to the border. This move by the President underscores his commitment to holding Israel accountable for its actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.