Washington, DC – President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that the United States will halt the supply of certain weapons if Israel launches a significant ground operation in the Gaza city of Rafah.
During an interview with CNN, President Biden emphasized that if Israel pursues military action in Rafah, the U.S. will not provide the weapons typically used in such operations. Despite the U.S.’s strong opposition, signs indicate that Israel is preparing for a large-scale invasion of Rafah, which serves as Hamas’s main stronghold in southern Gaza.
The President’s comments come as US officials express concerns about the potential for extensive civilian casualties in Rafah, where the population has swelled due to an influx of refugees from other parts of Gaza. President Biden stated that while he remains committed to ensuring Israel’s security, the U.S. cannot support actions that could result in harm to civilian populations.
Acknowledging that U.S. weaponry has been used by Israel in Gaza to kill civilians, President Biden reiterated that the U.S. does not consider Israel’s current actions in Rafah as a full ground operation. However, he made clear that further escalation into population centers would result in the withdrawal of American support.
The President’s remarks mark his strongest stance yet against a potential ground invasion of Rafah. The U.S. has already delayed a shipment of bombs to Israel, indicating a shift in the longstanding military assistance provided to the country. Israel’s Ambassador to the UN expressed disappointment in President Biden’s intervention, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two allies.
Efforts to de-escalate the situation continue, with negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages ongoing. The U.S. has been reviewing its weapons transfers to Israel since April, underscoring growing concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The conflict, sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel, has resulted in thousands of casualties and ongoing international pressure to end the violence.