US President Joe Biden has stated that he will stop some US weapon deliveries to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launches a significant attack on Rafah.
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Biden mentioned to CNN’s Erin Burnett that civilians in Gaza have died because of the bombs, including heavy ones that the US recently stopped sending.
Joe Biden emphasized that if Israel attacks Rafah, which hasn’t happened yet, the US won’t provide the weapons usually used in such operations.
This decision marks a significant change in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has lasted seven months. Biden has faced intense pressure to reduce arms shipments to Israel due to the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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The potential invasion of Rafah, where many Palestinian civilians are taking refuge, and protests by pro-Palestinian students may have influenced Biden’s new approach to Israel.
Biden assured that the US would still supply defensive equipment to Israel, like the Iron Dome system, but would halt other weapon shipments if Israel invades Rafah.
He clarified that while the US supports Israel’s security, it does not endorse waging war in certain areas. Biden’s stance could create tension with Netanyahu, especially after their recent phone call and Israel’s military actions near Rafah’s borders.
Biden has warned Netanyahu about the dangers of an extended conflict in Gaza, drawing parallels with the US experiences in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Despite protests labeling him as supporting genocide, Biden acknowledged the concerns but cautioned against hate speech and antisemitism during demonstrations. He stressed the importance of lawful protest without infringing on others’ rights.
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