The recent tension between the United States and Israel over the potential invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip has caused a significant shift in the relationship. President Joe Biden threatened to stop supplying certain weapons to Israel if the invasion went ahead, leading to a pause in the delivery of bombs. The move was seen as a significant blow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has long supported an invasion of Rafah to defeat Hamas. However, many Israeli lawmakers criticized the decision, despite the U.S. being Israel’s biggest supporter and source of military funding.
The pause in weapons shipments is largely symbolic but aimed at sending a serious message to Israel. Israeli security experts believe it won’t impact planned operations in Rafah, as they believe the paused shipments were not crucial for the operation. Former Israeli intelligence official and regional analyst Avi Melamed noted that Biden’s decision could embolden Hamas and Iran, potentially putting U.S. allies at risk. However, he also mentioned that Israel is likely to proceed with slow and precise operations in Rafah to avoid a direct confrontation with the U.S.
Some praised Biden’s decision, including Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, who called it a “first step.” Others, like the nonprofit organization Democracy for the Arab World Now, welcomed the suspension of weapons to Israel, citing violations of basic laws of war. The Israel Defense Forces have not commented on the situation, but they maintain that their operations target Hamas and strive to avoid civilian casualties. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in thousands of deaths and hostages being taken, sparking the recent tensions between Israel and the U.S.
For Michael Koplow of the Israel Policy Forum, Biden’s warning represents a significant shift in the U.S.-Israel relationship. He emphasized that Israel is at a perilous juncture and that the recent tensions have exposed cracks in the relationship. Despite the criticism from some Israeli lawmakers, Biden’s decision to pause weapons shipments has been seen as a significant move that could potentially impact future operations in the region. The situation remains tense as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, while the U.S. evaluates its role in the conflict and its support for Israel moving forward.
