Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Defiant in Response to U.S. Threats to Halt Weapon Shipments
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Defiant in Face of U.S. Threat to Halt Weapons Shipments
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a defiant stance in response to U.S. President Joe Biden’s warning to halt weapons shipments if Israel proceeds with plans to invade the city of Rafah. Despite pressure from the U.S., Israel’s long-time ally and military supplier, the Israeli army has bombarded parts of the outskirts of Rafah, citing the presence of Hamas fighters in the city.
In a video statement, Mr. Netanyahu vowed that Israel would continue its military operations with or without U.S. support, emphasizing the country’s determination to achieve its goals. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, downplayed the significance of the dispute with the U.S., stating that Israel already possesses the necessary weapons for the operation.
The Biden administration confirmed that it had delayed a planned shipment of bombs to Israel while waiting to see if Mr. Netanyahu would proceed with the invasion of Rafah. President Biden expressed concern over the civilian casualties in Gaza and made it clear that the U.S. would not support Israel in attacking urban areas like Rafah.
Ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Cairo have reportedly halted, with Hamas leaving the negotiations without a deal. While the Biden administration’s decision to pause the arms shipment is seen as a significant move, experts believe it is not a fundamental shift in U.S.-Israel relations.
President Biden, a long-time supporter of Israel, has faced pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The U.S. has begun sending aid to Gaza via a pier off the coast to bypass Israeli restrictions. The Democrats are divided between supporting Israel and Palestinians, with Biden risking losing support from Arab-Americans and young voters sympathetic to the Palestinian cause.
As tensions escalate, the situation remains fluid, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region.
