Biden pressured Israel to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and threatened to withhold weapons
Lloyd J. Austin III, the US Secretary of Defense, told a Senate committee on Wednesday that the United States had made clear “from the beginning that Israel should not launch a major attack on Rafah without considering and protect civilians there.” that battle space, and again, as we assessed the situation, we suspended a shipment of high-tonnage ammunition.”
According to the report, the 2,000-pound bombs, among the largest in Israel’s arsenal, were used frequently in the early weeks of the war, including in areas designated by the military. is safe for civilians. an investigation by the New York Times.
Earlier on Tuesday, after warning civilians to evacuate to nearby safe areas, Israeli tanks entered Rafah, occupying the Gaza side of the city’s border crossing with Egypt. Hours after that action, which did not amount to a full-scale invasion, the White House confirmed a temporary halt to bomb deliveries.
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, said that the US decision was motivated by Americans’ growing frustration with Netanyahu, as well as pressure from some Democratic lawmakers in Congress. for closer monitoring. Israel uses American weapons. And, he added, it was a signal to Israel that a full-scale invasion of Rafah could have more severe consequences.
“The logic behind this is a warning: If you don’t get your act together, there are a lot of possible obstacles,” Mr. Pinkas said.
Matan Kahana, a lawmaker from the party of Benny Gantz, a political opponent of Mr. Netanyahu and a member of the emergency wartime government, said in an interview on Israel Army Radio today. Wednesday that, if nothing else, the decision underscores Israel’s resolve. dependence on American ammunition.
