In a surprising move, the Biden administration has put a hold on a shipment of U.S.-made ammunition to Israel, marking the first time such action has occurred since the Oct. 7 attack. Israeli officials were concerned and sought to understand why the shipment was halted. President Biden faces criticism from Americans who oppose his support of Israel. In February, the administration asked Israel for assurances that U.S.-made weapons were being used in Gaza in accordance with international law; Israel provided a signed letter of assurances in March. The ammunition shipment to Israel was stopped last week, and the White House declined to comment on the matter. The Biden administration is concerned about the possibility of an Israeli invasion of Rafah, a southern Gaza city where over one million displaced Palestinians have sought shelter. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated his intention to order an invasion of Rafah regardless of whether Israel and Hamas reach a deal for the release of hostages being held in Gaza and a ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a tough conversation with Netanyahu regarding the potential Israeli operation in Rafah, warning that it would lead to public opposition from the U.S. and negatively impact U.S.-Israel relations.
The White House has made clear to Israel that the way it conducts an operation in Rafah will influence U.S. policy towards the Gaza war.
