The Biden administration has made a significant move by pausing shipments of two types of precision bombs to Israel in response to U.S. opposition to Israeli forces’ operation in Rafah. This decision comes as the U.S. expresses concerns about the potential impact of these bombs in densely populated urban areas, particularly in light of previous events in Gaza.
According to a U.S. official, the administration has placed a hold on a shipment of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs that could potentially be used in Rafah. The official stated that the U.S. has been engaging in dialogue with Israel on how to address humanitarian needs in Rafah and operate differently against Hamas in that area.
While a final determination has not yet been made on how to proceed with this shipment, the U.S. is continuing to review other cases, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits. The official emphasized that these decisions are not related to the Israel supplemental appropriations passed last month and are drawn from previously appropriated funds.
This development comes after Israeli forces announced gaining operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing as part of a counterterrorism operation targeting Hamas terrorists in eastern Rafah. The pause in ammunition shipments to Israel reportedly marks the first time since Hamas’ attack against the Jewish State on Oct. 7.
The Biden administration’s decision to pause these shipments underscores the complexities of the situation in the region and the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring the responsible use of military aid. The ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Israel highlights the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns and operating in a manner that minimizes harm to civilians.
