In a significant development, US President Joe Biden issued a public warning to Israel, stating that the United States would halt the supply of weapons if Israeli forces conduct a significant invasion of Rafah, a densely populated city in southern Gaza.
President Joe Biden underscored his stance, emphasizing that the US would withhold weapons historically used by Israel to address issues in Rafah or other similar urban centers. He acknowledged the use of US-supplied weapons by Israel, resulting in civilian casualties in Gaza, where Israel has been engaged in a seven-month offensive against Hamas.
President Biden clarified that while Israel had recently attacked Rafah, he did not consider it a full-scale invasion as it did not target population centers extensively.
Following President Biden’s remarks, a senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Washington had paused a shipment of heavy bombs intended for Israel, including 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, due to concerns about their potential use in Rafah.
This statement aligns with Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III’s acknowledgment of President Biden’s decision to delay the delivery of heavy bombs, expressing apprehensions about the situation in Rafah.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties on both sides. President Biden reiterated the US commitment to providing defensive weapons to Israel, particularly the Iron Dome air defense system, while emphasizing the decision to withhold certain types of weaponry.
President Joe Biden remarks signal a shift in US policy towards Israeli military actions, reflecting a more cautious approach regarding the use of American-supplied weapons in conflicts involving civilian populations.
