Racine, Wisconsin – President Joe Biden made a significant announcement on Wednesday, stating that he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah. In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett on “Erin Burnett OutFront,” Biden expressed concern about the use of American weapons in Gaza, acknowledging that they have been used to kill civilians in the region.
The president’s decision marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting America’s role in the war. Biden faced pressure, including from members of his own party, to limit arms shipments due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While he continues to support Israel’s defensive capabilities, such as the Iron Dome air defense system, he emphasized that other weapons shipments would cease if a major ground invasion of Rafah were to occur.
The announcement comes amid tensions as Israel considers a potential invasion of Rafah, where over a million Palestinian civilians are seeking refuge. Biden’s public linking of American weapons shipments to Israel’s conduct could strain his relationship with Netanyahu, who recently ordered the evacuation of civilians from Rafah and authorized strikes near its border areas.
Despite the president’s efforts to pivot the conversation to the American economy during his visit to Racine, Wisconsin, the conflict in the Middle East remains a pressing issue. Biden highlighted his administration’s job creation following the Covid-19 pandemic but acknowledged concerns about inflation and the cost of goods and housing. He addressed Americans’ worries and emphasized the need to bring down the cost of rentals and increase the availability of homes to support economic recovery.
In terms of his economic accomplishments, Biden pointed to new investments facilitated by infrastructure and manufacturing legislation. However, recent polls still show negative approval ratings for his handling of the economy and inflation. The president remains optimistic about the progress made under his administration but recognizes the challenges facing ordinary Americans in the current economic climate.