Several former Biden administration officials who resigned over the U.S. approach to Israel’s offensive in Gaza have welcomed President Joe Biden’s threat to suspend arms shipments as a positive step. U.S. staffers, including individuals who worked closely on weapons trade and human rights policy, have resigned over the continued transfer of weapons to Israel. While the administration paused a weapons shipment, concerns remain over the continued assistance being provided to Israel. The former officials believe that Washington needs to re-evaluate its security assistance to Israel to determine if it aligns with the U.S.’s national interests.
Hala Rharrit, a former U.S. diplomat, reacted to Biden’s comments with measured optimism, hoping that it signals a policy shift that will result in substantial change. However, Annelle Sheline, who resigned from the State Department’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, was less hopeful, expressing skepticism that a real shift will occur given Israel’s past actions and the administration’s responses. The former officials emphasize the need for a comprehensive review of U.S. policy towards Israel and Gaza to address the ongoing conflict effectively.
Biden’s warning about suspending weapons delivery to Israel if it launches a full-scale attack on Rafah elicited concern and outrage in Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizing that the country would stand alone without U.S. military support. While the former officials welcome the potential policy shift, they express concern about the uncertainty surrounding the definition of a full-scale assault and the U.S.’s reaction to it. Humanitarian groups have raised alarm over the situation in Rafah, where aid has been blocked as a result of the Israeli military’s actions.
The Biden administration has faced criticism for sending thousands of bombs and munitions to Israel during the conflict, despite the President acknowledging the Israeli forces’ indiscriminate bombing in Gaza. Former State Department official Josh Paul emphasized the importance of the U.S. utilizing its leverage in arms transfer to influence the conflict’s outcome. He hopes that the recent developments will spark a broader conversation about the U.S.’s security assistance to Israel and its alignment with national interests.
The U.S. has historically been a significant arms supplier to Israel, with Germany following closely behind. Former officials stress the need for the U.S. to pressure both Israel and Hamas to seek a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Gaza. They believe that leveraging military aid could encourage Israel to make concessions and end the conflict. As Israeli and Hamas delegations failed to reach a deal in Cairo, the former officials call for increased pressure on both parties to prioritize a peaceful resolution and prevent further escalation of the conflict.
