President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that the United States would refrain from supplying offensive weapons to Israel for a potential attack on Rafah, the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza. Biden emphasized concerns for the well-being of over 1 million civilians seeking refuge in Rafah.
In an interview with CNN, Biden reiterated the US commitment to Israel’s defense, noting that defensive arms such as Iron Dome rocket interceptors would still be provided. However, he made it clear that if Israel were to initiate action in Rafah, the US would not furnish weapons and artillery shells for offensive purposes.
This stance marks a significant departure from the historical pattern of substantial military aid provided by the US to Israel. Biden’s decision to pause a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel last week underscores the growing divergence between his administration and that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While Biden acknowledged that Israel’s actions around Rafah had not yet crossed his red lines, he emphasized the need for Israel to prioritize the protection of civilian lives in Gaza.
The paused shipment reportedly included a significant quantity of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs, raising concerns about their potential use in densely populated urban areas.