- Advertisement -

In an unprecedented move, US President Joe Biden has issued a stark warning to Israel, threatening to halt weapons shipments destined for Gaza should the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launch a major military operation against Hamas in Rafah.

Speaking to CNN while on the campaign trail in Wisconsin, Biden made his stance clear, stating, “I’ve made it clear that if they go into Rafah… I’m not supplying the weapons that have historically been used to deal with Rafah.”

This statement comes amidst growing tensions in the region and concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin echoed Biden’s sentiments, revealing to the Senate Appropriations Committee that the US had already paused one shipment of payload munitions to Israel due to concerns over Rafah.

- Advertisement -

“Civilians have been killed in Gaza as a consequence of those bombs and other ways in which they [Israel] go after population centers,” Biden stressed during his CNN interview.

While reaffirming the US commitment to Israel’s security, Biden emphasized the need to balance security concerns with humanitarian considerations.

He pointed to the recent joint effort between the US, Jordan, Great Britain, France, and Israel to defend the Jewish state from an Iranian drone and missile attack as evidence of continued support.

- Advertisement -

“We’re not walking away from Israel’s security. We’ve walked away from its ability to wage war in those areas [Rafah],” Biden stated.

However, Biden clarified that the IDF’s actions in Rafah so far did not constitute a major military operation.

He noted that these actions have created tensions with neighboring Egypt, further complicating the situation.

The US has been advocating for a more targeted approach by Israel in Gaza, particularly opposing a potential operation in Rafah. Officials across Biden’s administration have engaged in discussions with Israeli counterparts, urging restraint to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the densely populated area.

Biden also addressed the recent protests on US campuses against the Gaza war, condemning any form of hate speech or threats targeting Jewish students. He reiterated the right to free speech and protest but emphasized that such actions crossed a legal and moral line, labeling them as antisemitic and invoking memories of the Holocaust.

As tensions persist in the region, Biden’s warning to Israel signals a significant shift in US policy, prioritizing the protection of Palestinian civilians while maintaining support for Israel’s security. The coming days will reveal how this stance influences diplomatic relations and actions on the ground.