President Biden Pauses Arms Shipment to Israel Amid Growing Rift with Jerusalem

President Biden’s decision to pause an arms shipment to Israel last week has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the growing divide between Washington and Jerusalem over the conduct of the ongoing conflict. The move to withhold 3,500 bombs, including 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs, was made to prevent a potential assault on the city of Rafah, where over a million Gazans have sought refuge.

The decision marks the first time since the recent Hamas-led terrorist attack that President Biden has used his authority to limit arms shipments to Israel in an effort to influence their military strategy. This action comes after pressure from Democratic allies in Congress who have been urging the president to reconsider the support for Israel’s offensive against Hamas.

Israeli officials confirmed the pause in weapons delivery earlier this week, leading to frustration among U.S. administration officials who fear the consequences of a major operation in Rafah that could result in significant civilian casualties. The recent entry of Israeli tanks into the city has raised concerns about the escalation of the conflict.

While President Biden reiterated his support for Israel during a recent speech at a Holocaust remembrance ceremony, his administration is still deliberating on how to proceed with the withheld bombs. The White House has approved a significant amount of aid to Israel, but is particularly concerned about the potential impact of the bombs in densely populated areas like Rafah.

The seizure of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing by Israel has further complicated humanitarian efforts in the region, prompting warnings from international agencies about the worsening crisis in Gaza. Tensions between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu have been escalating, with the U.S. threatening to reassess its support for the conflict if Israel does not change its approach.

As Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken prepares to deliver a report to Congress assessing Israel’s use of American weapons, the findings could have significant implications for the future of U.S. arms shipments to Israel. The report may fuel further debate and protests over American involvement in the conflict, highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region.