Biden administration halts ammunition delivery to Israel, US officials confirm
- In Reports
- 11:11 AM, May 08, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Biden administration, as per statements from several US officials to ABC News on Tuesday, is delaying the delivery of ammunition to Israel. This is likely the first time since the Oct 7 Hamas attacks that the US has withheld weapons from its ally.
The rationale behind this action is believed to be the administration's effort to discourage Israel from launching a full-scale invasion of Rafah, situated in the southern region of Gaza.
The Biden administration is advocating for a thoroughly considered strategy to protect the many civilians seeking refuge in the region.
The delay of the ammunition shipment was first reported by Axios on Sunday.
Israeli authorities have commenced what they describe as a “precise” operation within Rafah.
A US official revealed that the White House National Security Council (NSC) has directed the US Air Force to suspend the transfer of already sanctioned ammunition, which was ready for dispatch from Dover Air Force Base.
This halt in munitions delivery has been corroborated by a second US official, who affirmed that the NSC initiated the suspension.
A second US official has confirmed the halt in munitions delivery, corroborating that the NSC initiated the suspension.
US officials have stressed that this delay is deliberate, although the NSC has not publicly acknowledged the decision or provided reasons for the delay. They have reiterated that the fundamental US policy towards Israel remains unchanged.
White House spokesperson John Kirby said, “Our commitment to Israel’s security remains ironclad. We don’t as a matter of course talk about individual shipments one way or the other. But again, nothing’s changed about our commitment to Israel security.”
Certain Democrats have called for conditions to be imposed on future arms transfers to Israel, whereas Republicans have promptly expressed their disapproval.
House Speaker Mike Johnson disclosed that he had received a ground report from Israel indicating that “a shipload of munitions and precision weapons, which are to be used to help protect civilians and Rafah, is being withheld.”
He criticised the action, saying, “This is not the will of Congress. This is an underhanded attempt to withhold aid, without facing accountability. It’s undermining what Congress intended.”
In a letter to President Joe Biden, Republican Senators Jodi Ernst and Ted Budd said they were "shocked" and "deeply concerned" regarding the administration’s alleged failure to inform Congress before the suspension of ammunition to Israel.
They stated, “If these reports are true, then you have once again broken your promise to an American ally.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that military operations in Rafah are both inevitable and crucial for eliminating Hamas.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to appear before a Senate committee on Wednesday, where he is expected to face inquiries regarding the US policy towards Israel.
Image source: ABC News
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