Biden Weighs Major Shift in Israel Policy During Rising Gaza Tensions

Man holding microphone and gesturing while speaking.

The Biden Administration is contemplating suspending military aid to Israel as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, revealing underlying political strategies at play.

At a Glance

  • Biden administration demands humanitarian improvements in Gaza from Israel within 30 days, threatening military aid disruption.
  • US law mandates countries receiving military aid to facilitate uninterrupted U.S.-supported humanitarian aid.
  • Letter from Secretaries Blinken and Austin to Israel is the most comprehensive list of demands since conflict escalation.

Biden’s Strategic Moves

Biden’s foreign policy is under scrutiny as the administration considers halting military aid to Israel amid the Gaza crisis. Secretaries Antony Blinken and Lloyd Austin delivered a 30-day ultimatum to Israel, urging substantial humanitarian progress in Gaza. The administration also aims to appeal to Arab-American voters in key states, indicating a strategic political maneuver beyond humanitarian concerns.

The letter, a first of its kind since the conflict intensified, highlights US dissatisfaction with how Israel handled humanitarian assistance in Gaza. Israel is heavily reliant on US military aid, accentuating the potential impact of any disruption. Despite ongoing criticisms, substantial arms shipments continue, although discussions around pausing certain supplies are on the table.

Humanitarian Concerns and Legal Context

US legislation requires recipient countries of military aid to ensure unobstructed delivery of U.S.-supported humanitarian aid, pressing Israel to comply. Concerns grow with Israeli operations in northern Gaza exacerbating the humanitarian situation. With more evacuation orders and interrupted aid, the US pushes for changes.

“The amount of assistance entering Gaza in September was the lowest of any month during the past year … to reverse the downward humanitarian trajectory as consistent with its assurances to us, Israel must, starting now and within 30 days act on the following concrete measures,” Blinken and Austin wrote. They added: “Failure to demonstrate a sustained commitment to implementing and maintaining these measures may have implications for U.S. policy under NSM-20 and relevant U.S. law (weapons supply).”

Secretary Blinken asked Israel for the daily transfer of 350 aid trucks to Gaza and opening an additional border crossing. Israel must allow humanitarian pauses and Red Cross access to detainees, with discussions around civilian casualties as pressing demands from the US.

Political Implications and Responses

With both humanitarian and political dynamics in play, the US’s stance is complex. Accusations arise from activist groups claiming US complicity due to continued arms transfers. Israel, in response, assures compliance with a review of the US letter.

“We urgently call upon your administration to change its approach and suspend weapons transfers to Israel, which continue to cause devastating harm and risk making the United States complicit in war crimes.”

This evolving narrative underscores significant international relations challenges for the Biden administration amidst ongoing global scrutiny. Balancing humanitarian imperatives with political interests reflects a nuanced, high-stakes dilemma in today’s geopolitical climate.

Sources:

  1. U.S. demands Israel improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza or risk military aid
  2. US gives Israel 30 days to boost Gaza aid or risk cut to military support
  3. U.S. Warns Israel of Military Aid Cut if Gazans Don’t Get More Supplies