Staff Reports
President Biden made an announcement on Wednesday that the United States will stop sending weapons to Israel if the country makes a major attack on the city of Rafah in Gaza. He expressed his concern about the civilians who have been killed in Gaza due to the use of American bombs and emphasized that the U.S. would not supply the weapons that have been historically used in dealing with this conflict.
This statement from President Biden reflects a shift in the U.S. policy towards Israel as it marks a major change in the way the U.S. provides military support to the country. The president’s decision to condition weapon supplies based on Israel’s actions is seen as a significant departure from previous administrations’ approaches.
Biden threatens to withhold arms to Israel if they launch major Rafah invasionhttps://t.co/6S00hIMqDh pic.twitter.com/Ez6QquWuk8
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 8, 2024
While President Biden stated that the U.S. will continue to provide defense weapons, such as the Iron Dome air defense system, to Israel, he made it clear that shipments of other weapons would be terminated if a major ground offensive in Gaza commences. This move is aimed at pressuring Israel to consider the humanitarian crisis and the potential impact on civilians in Gaza.
It is evident that President Biden’s stance on this issue may lead to a strain in the relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Israeli officials have reportedly expressed frustration with the U.S. withholding arms, and it is clear that this decision is not without international repercussions.
In conclusion, President Biden’s announcement regarding the halt of weapon shipments to Israel in response to potential military actions in Gaza represents a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. This decision may have broader implications for the U.S.-Israel relationship and the ongoing conflict in the region.
