The Biden administration has decided to put a hold on the shipment of precision bombs to Israel in response to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. While the White House has not outright canceled the sale of the Boeing-made munitions, it has delayed formal approval of the transaction. US officials have been careful in their statements, emphasizing their commitment to Israel’s security but refraining from providing specific details on the status of the shipment.
The stalled aid package includes Joint Direct Attack Munitions with conversion kits for precision-guided bombs, as well as Small Diameter Bombs that are used for hitting stationary targets. Earlier reports indicated that an ammunition shipment intended for Israel had been halted, with a significant number of JDAMs being delayed since January. The Biden administration has also cautioned Israel against mounting a ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza to avoid civilian casualties.
The delay in the shipment of weapons to Israel has sparked criticism from top Republicans in Congress, who have accused President Biden of trying to appease the pro-Hamas elements within his party. Congress recently passed a $26.3 billion package for military aid to Israel and humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, but Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict has drawn criticism from his left flank. Hundreds of thousands of Democratic primary voters have expressed their dissatisfaction with his approach to the conflict.
President Biden has faced pressure to address the issue of rising antisemitism amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In response, he has called on the public to push back against antisemitic sentiments and has reaffirmed US support for Israel. Biden emphasized the despicability of antisemitism, expressing his support for the Jewish community and condemning those who deny or downplay the horrors of the Holocaust. He assured the Jewish community that they are not alone and that they belong in the United States.
The Biden administration has taken a cautious approach in dealing with the conflict between Israel and Hamas, seeking to balance its support for Israel’s security while also urging restraint to avoid civilian casualties. The delay in approving the shipment of precision bombs reflects this delicate position, as US officials navigate the complexities of the situation in Gaza. Despite criticism from some quarters, Biden has reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security and emphasized the need to address antisemitism both at home and abroad.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, the Biden administration faces ongoing challenges in managing the delicate balance between supporting Israel and promoting peace in the region. The delay in the shipment of precision bombs underscores the complexity of the situation, as US officials grapple with how best to address the conflict and prevent further escalation. Biden’s efforts to address antisemitism and reassure the Jewish community highlight the broader issues at stake in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has drawn global attention and condemnation.
