President Biden's decision to withhold weapons shipments to Israel has sparked outrage and accusations of betrayal among many Israelis. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows that Israel will "stand alone" to defeat Hamas, if necessary, despite the potential consequences for civilian casualties.
President Biden's decision to withhold weapon shipments to Israel has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle, with some accusing him of abandoning a key ally and others questioning the impact of such a move on the nation's security.
The decision was made in response to concerns about the potential for civilian casualties in Gaza if Israel were to launch an invasion of Rafah, Hamas' last stronghold in the region. Biden stated that he would not supply Israel with weapons that have been historically used for such operations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded by vowing that Israel will "stand alone" if necessary to defeat Hamas. He evoked the spirit of Israel's war of independence in 1948, when the nascent Jewish state fought and defeated the Arab nations who attacked it, despite a weapons embargo.
Netanyahu's remarks underscore the deep sense of betrayal felt by many Israelis following Biden's decision. They argue that the United States has a moral and ethical obligation to support Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from terrorist groups like Hamas.
Critics of Biden's decision also point to the timing of the announcement, which came just days after his Holocaust Remembrance Day address, in which he drew comparisons between Hamas and the Nazis. They question whether Biden was attempting to appease international pressure or his own political base, rather than acting in the best interests of Israel's security.
Meanwhile, Biden has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to Israel's security and has stated that he will continue to provide defensive weapons, such as supplies for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. However, the withholding of offensive weapons, such as those used for an invasion of Rafah, is seen by many as a significant shift in policy.
The decision has the potential to strain U.S.-Israel relations and raise concerns about the future of the special partnership between the two nations. It remains to be seen how Biden will balance his stated commitment to Israel's security with the concerns he has expressed about civilian casualties in Gaza.
The situation is further complicated by the upcoming Israeli election, which is scheduled for June 23. The decision to withhold weapons has become a major talking point in the campaign, with both sides using it to attack their opponents.
The debate over Biden's decision is likely to continue in the coming weeks and months, as Israel grapples with the challenge of defeating Hamas while minimizing civilian casualties. The outcome of the election could also have a significant impact on the future of U.S.-Israel relations.
