The United States has stated that it has not found evidence of Israel violating international humanitarian law, following assurances from the ally regarding the use of US-provided weapons, despite criticism from US congressional lawmakers.
President Joe Biden’s administration recently issued a directive mandating countries receiving US military aid and weapons to provide ‘credible and reliable’ assurances of compliance with human rights laws. This move came amidst concerns over civilian casualties during Israel’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
The State Department confirmed that Israel, along with six other aid-receiving countries—Colombia, Iraq, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, and Ukraine—had submitted written assurances by the Sunday deadline.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller informed reporters that these assurances were provided by credible high-level officials in partner governments, possessing the necessary authority to make decisions on such matters.
In line with the directive known as National Security Memorandum-20 (NSM-20), the administration will furnish a report to Congress by May 8. Miller emphasised that there was no indication of the Biden administration rejecting Israel’s assurances. He stated, “We have not found them to be in violation of international humanitarian law, either when it comes to the conduct of the war or when it comes to the provision of humanitarian assistance.”
Despite being Israel’s primary military and diplomatic supporter, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction on Monday over Washington’s failure to veto a UN Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire during the ongoing month of Ramadan.
Seventeen senators urged the Biden administration not to immediately validate Israel’s assurances, insisting that US security assistance should align with American interests and values.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, leading the letter, highlighted UN warnings of an impending famine in Gaza, emphasising that Israel’s efforts to facilitate aid to the region were insufficient.
The senators expressed reservations regarding Netanyahu’s government’s ability to meet the “credible and reliable” standard outlined in NSM-20 in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.