In a recent interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed concerns over Israel’s lack of credible plans to protect civilians in Gaza and how the city will be governed post-war. The U.S. has halted the supply of high-impact weapons to Israel amidst humanitarian concerns, particularly ahead of a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah, where 1.2 million Palestinians are seeking refuge. Blinken emphasized the need for a plan to protect civilians and address the aftermath of the conflict in Gaza. While the U.S. is in active conversations with Israel regarding the delivery of more weapons, there are reservations about the way these weapons may be used.
During his appearances on various Sunday morning shows, Blinken reiterated the importance of a credible plan for civilians and the post-war governance of Gaza. However, he did not disclose President Joe Biden’s specific “red line” that would lead to a complete halt in weapons supply to Israel. Blinken also mentioned the lack of assistance from Israel in developing a post-war plan, revealing that the U.S. has been working with Arab countries and other allies on this issue. He warned that a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah without a plan to protect civilians could lead to an insurgency with armed Hamas members and create chaos and anarchy in the region.
Blinken stressed the shared objective of the U.S. and Israel to prevent Hamas from governing Gaza again and ensure its demilitarization. He mentioned that the U.S. believes in a different and more effective approach to achieving this goal. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously confirmed the pause in arms shipments to Israel due to concerns about a full-scale invasion of Rafah. President Biden later stated that the U.S. would not supply weapons to Israel if an offensive on Rafah was ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking a significant shift in the U.S. stance after months of support for Israel. Despite reports of U.S. bombs being used to kill civilians in Gaza, a recent report found that Israel provided credible assurances of using U.S. weapons in accordance with international law. The report also highlighted the challenges in determining whether U.S. weapons have been used in ways that violate international humanitarian law.
The Biden administration’s decision to withhold arms shipments to Israel reflects growing concerns over the escalating conflict in Gaza and the potential impact on civilian populations. The U.S. is engaged in discussions with Israel to address these concerns and ensure that any military actions are conducted in a manner that prioritizes the protection of civilians. Blinken’s statements underscore the importance of comprehensive plans for post-war governance and the prevention of further destabilization in the region. As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the international community will be closely monitoring developments and exploring ways to support a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
