Due to concerns about an offensive on Rafah in the Gaza Strip, the United States has suspended a weapons delivery to Israel. The delivery included 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs. Washington opposes a large-scale offensive without a credible plan to protect civilians.
The U.S. State Department is reviewing other arms transfers, including precision bombs known as JDAMs. Discussions between Israeli and U.S. officials about alternatives to the offensive are ongoing, but as of now, they have not fully addressed U.S. concerns.
Republican opponents have criticized any measures that limit military aid to Israel, including the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who has spoken out against the suspension of weapons delivery to Israel. The Israeli army deployed tanks to Rafah, took control of the border crossing with Egypt, and closed access points for humanitarian aid prompting the U.S. to call these measures unacceptable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel will defend itself regardless of international pressure.
The decision to suspend the weapons delivery has sparked a reaction among Republicans in the U.S., with some calling it a betrayal of Israel’s longstanding relationship with the United States.
However, ongoing discussions between Israeli and U.S