Biden Admin Rebukes Israel’s Use of U.S. Weapons in Gaza, Warns on Rafah Offensive
Image Source: The Indian Express
The Biden administration declared on Friday that it is “reasonable to assess” Israel’s use of American-made weapons in Gaza as “inconsistent” with international humanitarian law, implying Israel’s military actions violate international standards. A State Department report acknowledged ongoing investigations into potential violations but admitted lacking “complete information to verify” the alleged improper use of U.S. weapons.
The report noted the challenges, stating, “Given the nature of the conflict in Gaza, with Hamas deliberately positioning itself among civilians exposing them to Israeli military response, as well as the lack of U.S. government personnel on the ground in Gaza, it is difficult to assess or reach conclusive findings on individual incidents.” However, it went on to say, “Given Israel’s heavy reliance on U.S.-supplied defense articles, it is reasonable to assess that such equipment has been used by Israeli forces since October 7 in ways inconsistent with international humanitarian law obligations or established practices to mitigate civilian harm.”
Covering the period from October 7 hostilities with Hamas through late April, the report did not find Israel had blocked humanitarian aid to Gaza in violation of U.S. statutes, saying, “We do not currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or restricting transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance.”
While not concluding Israel violated the terms of the national security memorandum, the report was sharply critical of the consequences from Israel’s military operations. This critique comes amid strained U.S.-Israeli relations after President Biden warned he may limit arms transfers if Israel launches a major offensive in Rafah. The report’s finding that Israel’s assurances under the memorandum are “credible and reliable” is likely to disappoint human rights groups, as no actions are required of Israel.
The U.S. has generally avoided providing direct military support to Israel recently. However, Biden stated in a CNN interview, “I made it clear – they haven’t entered Rafah yet – but if they go into Rafah, I will not supply the weapons historically used to attack Rafah and other cities.”
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