President Joe Biden has stated that the United States would not provide offensive weapons to Israel for launching an all-out assault on Rafah, citing concerns for the well-being of the more than 1 million civilians sheltering there.
In an interview with CNN, Biden reiterated the U.S. commitment to Israel’s defence but clarified that offensive weaponry, such as artillery shells used in attacks on densely populated areas like Rafah, would not be supplied.
The decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Israel and comes amid growing concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. Last week, the Biden administration paused a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel, citing concerns about their potential impact on civilian populations.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the delay, stating that the U.S. was reviewing security assistance shipments in light of the unfolding events in Rafah. The decision reflects a broader reassessment of U.S. support for Israel’s military operations, with the administration facing pressure to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
While reaffirming the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, Biden emphasised the need for more precise military operations and expressed concern over the use of indiscriminate weapons in densely populated areas.
The decision to halt the shipment of heavy bombs has drawn both praise and criticism from lawmakers, reflecting the complex political dynamics surrounding U.S.-Israel relations.
While some lawmakers have applauded the move as a step towards ending the cycle of violence in Gaza, others have criticised it as undermining Israel’s ability to defend itself.
The Biden administration’s decision to withhold offensive weapons marks a significant departure from previous administrations’ policies towards Israel and shows the growing scrutiny of U.S. military support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
