The State Department is currently divided on whether Israel is using American-provided weapons in accordance with international law ahead of a deadline for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to make a determination to Congress. President Joe Biden issued a memorandum requiring all countries receiving US weapons to provide assurances that they are being used in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law. Blinken must report to Congress by May 8 on whether these assurances from Israel are credible and reliable, but there is disagreement within the department on this issue.
Human rights groups have accused Israel of committing war crimes and abuses during the conflict in Gaza, leading to concerns that governments supporting Israel may be complicit in these actions. The State Department has not given further details on the internal divisions regarding accepting or rejecting Israel’s assurances. The concerns have escalated following an aid package signed into law by Biden that includes $26 billion for Israel, with significant funds allocated for defense items and services. Progressives are showing frustration with Biden’s support for Israel, particularly in the face of protests over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The White House has the potential to take various actions if it concludes that Israel is impeding aid to Gaza or not adhering to human rights laws, such as slowing military provisions, curtailing monetary assistance, or increasing public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to Israel but has also threatened to make changes to support based on Israel’s actions. The State Department’s annual report on human rights raised concerns about potential war crimes by both Hamas and Israel, with reports of systemic torture and degrading treatment of Palestinian detainees.
While the report does not represent the US government’s conclusions, Blinken has stated that the State Department is investigating the incidents. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has noted that there is currently no evidence of genocide being committed by Israel during the conflict in Gaza. Blinken has refuted charges of genocide against Israel. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing debates within the State Department and concerns about potential violations of human rights and international law by Israel during the conflict in Gaza.
