The Biden administration in the US has halted the delivery of a significant amount of ammunition to Israel, a move that marks a significant shift in US foreign policy amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As military operations in the region escalate, Washington’s decision to delay the supply of 2,000 and 500-pound bombs indicates its concern about the use of these weapons in a large-scale operation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where more than one million Palestinians live.
The US warns against a ground attack on Rafah
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, US officials have expressed their categorical opposition to any major Israeli military attack on Rafah. The densely populated area poses significant risks for civilian casualties, prompting Washington to seek alternative approaches. The US has been involved in intensive talks with their Israeli counterparts, proposing tactics that could target Hamas without endangering civilian lives.
Diplomatic Efforts
Despite the continuation of diplomatic discussions, a senior official from the Biden administration told the Times of Israel that previous dialogues with Israel did not adequately address US concerns, hence the delay in the ammunition shipment.
The Israeli military downplays the event
In response to the suspension of the shipment, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized that US-Israel relations are excellent and noted that any disagreements are usually handled privately.
