Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a recent and dramatic development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel has launched a ground operation in Rafah, seizing control of the strategic border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. This move signifies a significant escalation, positioning Rafah as Hamas’s final stronghold in the region.
On Wednesday, President Joe Biden issued a stern warning to Israel regarding its military strategy in Rafah. The Financial Times reported that during a CNN interview with Erin Burnett on his trip to Wisconsin, Biden articulated that the U.S. would halt the supply of offensive weapons to Israel if it proceeds with a full-scale invasion of Rafah. This announcement marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Israel relations, given the historical context of steadfast American support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
Rafah, a critical point in southern Gaza, has been under intense scrutiny due to the concentration of over a million Palestinian civilians in the area. The U.S. opposition to an Israeli assault on Rafah aligns with broader international concerns about the humanitarian impact and the high risk of civilian casualties, according to the information provided in the ft.com report. Biden’s explicit warning comes on the heels of the U.S. pausing a shipment of munitions to Israel, reflecting growing unease over Israeli military tactics in densely populated territories in Gaza.
Biden did tell CNN’s Erin Burnett that despite his refusal to help arm Israel in any Rafah offensive, the US would continue to supply Israel with the Iron Dome missile defense system that has proved highly effective in destroying rockets launched by Hamas into Israel from Gaza. “It appears that what Biden is saying is that Israel really does not have a right and moral responsibility to protect its citizenry from any future Hamas attacks, said a source close to the defense establishment in Israel who spoke to the Jewish Voice on the condition of anonymity. “Biden is saying that Israel can never, under any conditions, take an offensive posture against Hamas terrorists who slaughtered 1200 people in the most grotesque, barbaric way possible on October 7, “ the source continued.
“It sure sounds like he is saying that Israel can never be granted permission to totally eradicate the Hamas infrastructure in Gaza in order to eliminate the very real possibility that Hamas will commit future massacres. But rather, in Biden’s estimation, Israel must do nothing until the next time Hamas launches a barrage of rockets and then, at that point, the US will assist Israel in repelling those rockets with the advanced technology that the Iron Dome brings to the table. So, the long and short of it is that under Biden’s plan, Israel will be perpetually attacked and will not be granted permission to take the offensive and eliminate the clear aggressor in order to stop any and all future attacks, “ the source added.
Other experts have weighed in with the conclusion that a perpetual double standard is being applied to Israel exclusively. While other nations have the right to take offensive military actions against those who attacked them, in the view of the present administration in Washington, Israel does not.
The context of Biden’s remarks is deeply intertwined with ongoing efforts to broker peace and secure a ceasefire. The U.S. has been actively trying to mediate a resolution that would not only halt hostilities but also facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Indicated in the ft.com report was that the aim is to establish a ceasefire that could last at least six weeks, providing a necessary respite for the civilians caught in the crossfire and an opportunity for diplomatic engagement.
However, the future of these negotiations remains uncertain, adding to the tension between U.S. diplomatic objectives and Israel’s military actions. The pause in military aid by the U.S. is a clear message to Israel that its approach in Rafah could have significant implications for continued support. Also noted in the ft.com report was that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin further emphasized this stance in a congressional hearing, revealing that the U.S. had “paused one shipment of high payload munitions” due to concerns about Israel’s planned ground operations in Rafah. Austin affirmed the commitment to Israel’s defense but noted that some security assistance shipments are under review in light of the situation in Rafah, according to the ft.com report.
The operation in Rafah comes amidst a backdrop of strained relations between Israel and its longtime ally, the United States, over military tactics and humanitarian concerns. For the first time since the conflict intensified on October 7, following the brutal massacre of 1200 Israelis and others by Hamas, the U.S. has paused a potential weapons delivery to Israel, the ft.com report indicated.
The paused arms shipment includes substantial ordnance, with the Pentagon withholding significant quantities of munitions, specifically 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, according to the information contained in the ft.com report. This decision was taken after discussions that failed to fully address Washington’s concerns regarding the humanitarian implications of Israel’s military strategies in Rafah.
Israel Defense Forces spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized the intent to resolve any disputes “behind closed doors,” suggesting a keenness to maintain a unified front despite emerging disagreements. The ft.com report also said that Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the State Department, reiterated America’s commitment to Israel’s defense but highlighted severe concerns regarding the unfolding situation in Rafah as a rationale for the U.S. government’s scrutiny and restraint in arms shipments.
These heavy munitions, known for their extensive damage radius, have been used by the U.S. military only sparingly in its recent operations across the Middle East due to their potential for collateral damage, according to the information in the ft.com report.
A senior U.S. official emphasized the administration’s acute focus on the “end-use” of these large-scale bombs, particularly in Gaza’s urban environments where the risk of civilian harm is greatly amplified, the ft.com report said.
Furthermore, the delay extends beyond just the 2,000-pound bombs. As per the information in the ft.com report, the Biden administration has also informally postponed the shipment of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits and small-diameter bombs, essential components in modern aerial warfare that increase the accuracy and effectiveness of conventional bombs. According to insiders familiar with the situation, these cases are still under thorough review, reflecting a methodical and cautious approach to arms transfers amid the ongoing conflict.
