Israeli leaders defiant in response to President Biden’s warning on weapons withholding
Israeli leaders have responded with defiance to President Biden’s warning that the United States could withhold more weapons if Israel launched a major assault on crowded parts of southern Gaza. The rift between the allies over Israel’s conduct of the war in Gaza has widened, with concerns growing that strains with the White House could affect the country’s ability to continue its war against Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure from international calls for a cease-fire and demands from his right-wing coalition partners to move forward with a wide-scale invasion of Rafah, the southern Gaza city. Despite Mr. Biden’s threat, Mr. Netanyahu posted a video on social media of a defiant speech, stating that “no amount of pressure” will stop Israel from defending itself.
It remains unclear if Mr. Biden’s threat will prompt any change in Israel’s strategy in Gaza, or if Israel has enough stockpiled weapons to mount a major operation in Rafah without U.S. support. Key members of Mr. Netanyahu’s government have insisted that the war will continue, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz stating that “Israel will continue to fight Hamas until its destruction.”
The American concerns have grown as the Israeli army sent tanks and troops into the eastern part of Rafah, taking over the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Mr. Biden has withheld bombs and artillery shells that could be used in population centers in Rafah, signaling a shift in U.S. support for Israel’s military actions.
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, described the Biden administration’s decision to withhold weapons as “very disappointing” and “frustrating,” while Israeli President Isaac Herzog thanked the United States for its support and urged Israeli leaders to avoid making baseless and irresponsible statements that could harm national security.
The clash between the American administration and the Israeli government is being seen as the most serious since the first Lebanon war in 1982. The outcome of this rift remains uncertain, as Israel continues its fight against Hamas in Gaza.
