The Biden administration last week halted shipments of ammunition destined for Israel. First reported by Axiosamid mounting pressure over the Israeli military’s promised invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
Axios reported that Israeli authorities were confused as to why the shipment was being held up. CNN reported He insisted that this decision had nothing to do with US opposition to the Rafah invasion.
The Biden administration has pledged strong support for Israel in its war against Hamas, signing $26 billion in military and humanitarian aid to the war last week, but officials say more than 1 million displaced Palestinians have not yet left the war. He has repeatedly warned against relocating to Rafah, where he has been evacuated. .
The National Security Council said in a statement to The Hill that the Biden administration’s support for Israel remains unchanged.
“The United States has surged billions of dollars in security assistance to Israel since the October 7 attacks, passing the largest-ever additional spending in emergency aid to Israel and setting a precedent to protect Israel from Iranian attack. “We have led and will continue to lead a coalition that is necessary to ensure that Israel is protected from the threats it faces,” an NSC spokesperson said.
The move will also increase pressure on ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as the rift between the two sides widens following progress made earlier this week. CIA Director William Burns attend negotiations He will be in Cairo on Saturday and remain in the Middle East in the coming days to work towards a diplomatic solution.
The conflict is overshadowed by the Rafah invasion, with Israeli leaders insisting a ground attack on Rafah is inevitable, while the United Nations warns such an attack would result in catastrophic civilian casualties. It warns that this is a possibility. The Biden administration has repeatedly urged Israel not to attack Rafah without a clear plan to avoid civilian losses.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested an invasion of Rafah was likely regardless of a diplomatic deal with Hamas or US backers.
“During the horrifying Holocaust, there were great world leaders who stood by and did nothing. So the first lesson of the Holocaust is: If we don’t protect ourselves, no one will protect us.” It means “I won’t give it to you”. And if we need to be isolated, we will be isolated,” he said.
Biden has also faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers who have called for guarantees that U.S.-made weapons are used in accordance with international law.
Federal law requires that military aid be used lawfully, but Mr. A growing number of Democrats are calling for stronger lines on the issue. human rights.
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