The Biden administration has paused a shipment of precision bombs to Israel, raising questions about the future of the sale and the potential impact on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The United States has put on hold a shipment of precision bombs to Israel amidst concerns over the country's operation in Rafah, a densely populated area in the southern Gaza Strip. The shipment, which includes approximately 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, was initially approved by the Biden administration but was subsequently paused due to worries about potential civilian casualties.
The Pentagon press secretary, Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder, confirmed the pause, stating that the future of the shipment remains uncertain. "We've not made a final determination on how to proceed with this shipment," Ryder said.
The decision to pause the shipment stems from the Biden administration's opposition to a major ground operation in Rafah, where over a million people are currently sheltering. The U.S. has urged Israel to find alternative ways to combat Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, while minimizing civilian casualties.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a U.S. official emphasized the concerns surrounding the use of the 2,000-pound bombs in dense urban settings. The official noted that the Biden administration is "especially focused" on the potential impact of these weapons, especially after witnessing their effects in other parts of Gaza.
The official also underlined that the shipment pause was not related to Israel's recent supplemental appropriations. Earlier this month, Congress approved additional funding for Israel's defense, but the official stressed that this funding was unrelated to the current situation.
The pause has raised questions about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Israeli officials have expressed concerns about the Biden administration's willingness to support Israel's military operations, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that they have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing after launching a counterterrorism operation against Hamas. The IDF has stated that its aim is to dismantle Hamas's infrastructure and prevent the group from launching further attacks against Israel.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire to allow for humanitarian assistance to reach those in need.
