The Biden administration is working on a report for Congress to determine if Israel has violated international humanitarian law during its war in Gaza, potentially leading to significant consequences. There has been internal debate within the administration regarding Israel’s use of US weapons and assurances of compliance with international law. The report will also assess whether Israel has hindered the delivery of US humanitarian aid, coming at a critical point in the conflict as Israel considers an incursion into Rafah and struggles to reach a ceasefire with Hamas.
Under pressure from Democrats in Congress, Biden issued a national security memorandum in February to examine Israel’s actions and use of US weapons. The report, which was initially due on May 8, has faced delays, with the State Department indicating it will be delivered in the coming days. There has been limited information about the content of the report, but it is expected to cover the time period from January 2023 to the present and involve contributions from various departments within the government.
The report, though not mandating a change in policy, could prompt one based on its findings. Israeli officials have been in contact with the administration as the report developed, concerned about potential repercussions on US military aid to Israel. Criticism has been directed towards the Biden administration for its response to the conflict, with calls for holding Israel accountable for violations of international law, including a recent assessment by Amnesty International and an independent task force.
Congressional Democrats have urged the administration not to take Israel’s assurances at face value, emphasizing the need for evidence of compliance with international law. While some lawmakers support the aid package for Israel, there are calls for a pause in transfers of offensive weapons until Israel meets Biden’s demands. Republican lawmakers have criticized the national security memorandum as unnecessary bureaucracy, while the State Department works on completing the report.
Humanitarian officials and lawmakers have expressed concerns over violations of international law in Gaza and the impact on US credibility if Israel’s assurances are accepted without thorough review. The delay in delivering the report to Congress highlights the complex and contentious nature of the issue, with implications for US-Israel relations and potential changes in policy. Ongoing protests and clashes related to the conflict further add to the tensions at home and abroad.
