Defense Minister Signs Letter of Commitment as Deadline Looms for U.S. Approval
In a significant development following mounting pressure from the Biden administration, Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, has signed a letter of commitment affirming the use of American weapons in accordance with international law during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
This move comes in response to a new national security memorandum issued by President Joe Biden in early February, which stipulates strict conditions for the supply of American weaponry to foreign nations.
The commitment letter, signed on Thursday, also includes an agreement from Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid supported by the United States into the Gaza Strip without interference, according to statements from senior Israeli and American officials.
While the national security memorandum does not explicitly mention Israel, it was prompted by concerns raised by Democratic senators regarding the use of American arms by Israel in Gaza.
Under the new policy, countries receiving American weapons must provide written assurances that they will adhere to international law and permit the delivery of humanitarian aid supported by the U.S.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is tasked with informing Congress by March 25 regarding the reliability of the commitments made by Israel. Failure to obtain approval from Blinken could potentially result in delays in the supply of weapons to Israel.
The decision to sign the commitment letter was authorized by the War Cabinet earlier in the week, but Gallant waited until Thursday to affix his signature. Following the signing, the letter was promptly delivered to the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Jack Lowe.
The new national security memorandum underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to ensuring that American weapons are used responsibly and in accordance with international norms. It represents a shift in policy aimed at holding recipient countries accountable for their use of U.S.-supplied arms.
Israeli officials reportedly sought to supplement their commitment with a letter from the American side emphasizing the U.S.’s support for Israel’s security and its right to defend itself.
However, senior American officials cautioned against turning the process into contentious political negotiations, preferring instead to focus on the core commitments outlined in the memorandum.
Signing the commitment letter marks a significant step in Israel-U.S. relations, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to shared security objectives.
However, the ultimate decision rests with Secretary Blinken, who will assess the reliability of Israel’s commitments in the coming days.
As tensions persist in the region, the fate of American arms supplies to Israel hangs in the balance, contingent upon Israel’s adherence to the terms outlined in the commitment letter and subsequent approval from the Biden administration.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members