Israel expresses disappointment over Biden’s threat to halt arms sales

Two top Israeli officials have criticized US President Joe Biden for threatening to stop certain arms supplies to Israel if it invades the crowded Gaza city of Rafah. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, expressed disappointment in Biden’s statement, calling it “very disappointing” and a stark departure from the support Israel has received from the US.

Israel has been defying international objections by sending tanks and conducting targeted raids in the eastern areas of Rafah, which is home to Hamas’s last remaining battalions. However, the city is also densely populated with displaced Palestinian civilians. Biden’s warning that he would withhold weapons used in urban areas if Israel enters Rafah has raised tensions between the two allies.

Erdan warned that Biden’s comments could embolden Israel’s adversaries, including Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah. He emphasized the importance of achieving Israel’s security goals, even if it means using offensive weapons. Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich echoed this sentiment, stating that Israel would pursue victory in the conflict despite Biden’s threats.

Reports from AFP journalists indicated heavy shelling in Rafah on Thursday, with the Israeli military targeting Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces also seized control of Rafah’s border crossing into Egypt, a crucial entry point for aid into Gaza.

The escalating tensions between Israel and the US highlight the complexities of the conflict in Gaza and the challenges of balancing security concerns with international pressure. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the delicate diplomatic and military landscape.