President Joe Biden warns Prime Minister Netanyahu of withholding US offensive weapons if Israel proceeds with a ground operation in Gaza, highlighting concerns over civilian casualties in densely populated areas.
US President Joe Biden has cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States will withhold offensive weapons from Israel if it carries out a ground offensive in Rafah, Gaza. This decision comes in light of the potential risk to civilian lives in densely populated Rafah, considered a crucial Hamas stronghold. President Biden’s statement, issued on May 9, 2024, underscores a significant pivot in US-Israel relations under his administration, emphasizing that while the US will continue to provide defensive equipment such as Iron Dome rocket interceptors, it will not supply weapons used for large-scale assaults.
This stance is backed by President Biden’s concern over the US-made bombs previously causing civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also confirmed the suspension of a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, reflecting a broader review of US military assistance to the country.
The situation on the ground in Rafah has garnered the attention of international humanitarian organizations. Unicef has reported dire conditions for around 600,000 displaced Palestinian children in the area, emphasizing the lack of essential services and safety.
Amid these developments, Hamas has stated its refusal to make further concessions in truce talks, despite a ceasefire proposal’s acceptance. The US decision to restrict military support comes at a time of heightened tension and complex negotiations involving multiple parties in Cairo aimed at quelling the conflict.
Israel’s reaction to the US decision has been one of disappointment, conveyed by its UN ambassador who, despite the setback, expressed belief that arms supplies would eventually resume. The US’s move to withhold offensive weapons highlights the challenges faced by the Biden administration in balancing staunch support for Israel’s defense capabilities against the imperative to minimize civilian casualties in conflict zones.
