Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his far-right government refrained from directly commenting on President Biden’s threat to withhold military aid, but expressed outrage on social media. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir accused Biden of favoring Hamas, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned of an “arms embargo.” Despite this, the country’s president Isaac Herzog urged for a more diplomatic approach in resolving disputes with allies to avoid harming national security interests. Israeli military experts also expressed concerns over Biden’s stance, questioning the limitations it would place on Israel’s ability to defend itself effectively.
The Biden administration decided to halt a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel in light of concerns that they would be used to deadly effect in densely populated civilian areas. The decision was seen as a symbolic gesture of disapproval towards Israel’s actions in the conflict with Hamas. While the paused arms transfer is unlikely to significantly impact Israel’s military operations in Gaza, the move sends a clear message of displeasure from the U.S. government. This withholding of military aid echoes previous instances where the U.S. has taken similar actions, such as the six-year ban on cluster weapon sales to Israel in 1982 following a Congressional investigation into their use in populated areas.
Despite the tension between the U.S. and Israel over the arms shipment, there has been ongoing military support from the U.S. to Israel throughout the conflict with Hamas. The lack of transparency in the volume of munitions being sent to Israel has drawn criticism, particularly as the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. Israeli officials have expressed frustrations over the Biden administration’s decision to withhold the bombs, viewing it as a hindrance to Israel’s ability to effectively confront the threat posed by Hamas. However, critics of the Israeli government argue that the use of such powerful weapons in densely populated areas raises concerns about civilian casualties and human rights violations.
The debate over military aid to Israel highlights the complex relationship between the two countries, with disagreements over tactics and strategies in conflict situations. President Biden’s decision to withhold the bombs reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy towards greater scrutiny of arms transfers and a more critical evaluation of human rights implications. The challenge for both countries lies in finding a balance between supporting allies in defending themselves and ensuring that military aid is not used in ways that could harm civilians or exacerbate conflicts. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the U.S. and Israel will navigate these tensions and work towards a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability in the region.
