President Biden Halts Some Weapon Shipments to Israel in Response to Gaza Killings
In a groundbreaking move, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday that he would pause some shipments of American weapons to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah, where civilians have been killed in Gaza. Biden acknowledged that the bombs sent to Israel have been used to target population centers, prompting his decision to halt certain shipments in response to potential actions in Rafah.
This decision marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Biden recognizing the role of American weapons in the war and responding to calls to limit arms shipments amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The looming invasion of Rafah, a city with over a million Palestinian civilians, has prompted the president to condition future weapon deliveries on Israel’s actions.
Biden emphasized that while defensive weapons like the Iron Dome system will still be provided, other shipments will cease if a major ground invasion of Rafah is initiated. The administration has already paused a shipment of “high-payload munitions” due to potential operations in Rafah, signaling a new approach to arms sales to Israel.
This public stance on weapon shipments could strain the relationship between Biden and Netanyahu, with the president warning against entering heavily populated zones like Rafah and drawing parallels to past conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite facing criticism for his support of Israel, Biden remains committed to ensuring the country’s security while reevaluating the use of American weapons in the region.
While addressing concerns about the economy and his reelection prospects, Biden highlighted his administration’s efforts to create jobs, combat inflation, and address corporate greed. He emphasized the need for affordable housing and reduced costs for consumers, outlining his strategy to strengthen the economy and improve the lives of ordinary Americans.
