Despite Bomb Shipment Hold, U.S. Continues Support to Israel as Gaza Conflict Intensifies

The Biden administration has continued to send military assistance to Israel, including offensive and defensive weaponry, even after suspending a shipment of bombs, two United States officials disclosed to NBC News. 

The U.S. decision to pause the delivery of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs was influenced by the potential for a full-scale Israeli invasion of Rafah, a city that has become a refuge for over a million people.

President Joe Biden had previously threatened to stop military aid if Israel escalated its operations in Rafah.

In response to President Biden’s threat to suspend arms shipments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would do whatever it must do to “protect the country.”

Netanyahu also reflected on his long-standing relationship with Biden in a Thursday interview with Phil McGraw, acknowledging that while they have had their disagreements, they have managed to resolve them in the past.

“I hope we can overcome them now, but we will do what we have to do to protect our country, and that means to protect our future. And that means we will defeat Hamas, including in Rafah. We have no other choice,” he affirmed.

As the conflict continues, with no ceasefire in sight, the humanitarian crisis in Rafah worsens. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is a critical shortage of food and fuel. 

The U.N. and other aid organizations are struggling to manage the crisis, with Israeli tanks reported near the Rafah crossing, complicating rescue and relief operations.

The White House conveyed that President Biden’s communication to Netanyahu was clear.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated, “Smashing into Rafah, in his view, will not advance that objective.” 

The government has also rebuffed criticisms regarding its decisions on military aid despite diplomatic strains. 

A senior administration official defended their stance, stating, “Our actions have been done consistent with the law. And this action doesn’t involve any failure to spend, or even delay in spending, funds appropriated by Congress.”

At the UN, spokesperson Nate Evans stated the U.S. opposition to the resolution granting Palestine new rights, emphasizing that it does not change the fact that the Palestinian Authority does not meet the criteria for UN membership. 

Meanwhile, Riyad Mansour of Palestine emphasized the vote as a step towards affirming Palestinian existence and rights.

Israeli Representative Gilad Erdan criticized the UN’s decision during Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day, equating it to rewarding modern-day Nazis. 

This statement came amidst reports of Israeli forces continuing to target areas in Rafah, leading to high casualties and displacement.