US Suspends Weapon Shipments to Israel Over Civilian Concerns

The United States has decided to halt a shipment of weapons to Israel amid concerns over the potential impact on civilians in the Gaza city of Rafah. The decision came following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for a military assault on the area, which raised alarms in Washington regarding the safety of vulnerable displaced individuals.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin elucidated on the matter, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilian lives in conflict zones. "We've been very clear... from the very beginning that Israel shouldn't launch a major attack into Rafah without accounting for and protecting the civilians that are in that battlespace,” he stated.

The suspended arms delivery included heavy, bunker-busting bombs, with US officials expressing concerns about their potential impact in densely populated urban areas like Rafah. "A small-diameter bomb, which is a precision weapon, is very useful in a dense, built-up environment... but maybe not so much a 2,000-pound bomb that could create a lot of collateral damage," Austin explained.

As Israel's primary arms supplier, the United States plays a crucial role in providing military aid and equipment. Under a 10-year Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2016, Israel is entitled to US$38 billion in military aid, with a portion allocated for purchasing military equipment and missile defense systems.

With plans to acquire 75 F-35s and having already received 36, Israel has utilized US assistance to enhance its air capabilities. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, known for its advanced fighter jets globally, symbolizes the partnership between Israel and the United States.

Meanwhile, Germany, another major arms supplier to Israel, has witnessed a tenfold increase in defense export approvals to Israel in 2023 compared to the previous year. This surge in approvals follows the Gaza war triggered by an attack from the Hamas militant group.

Italy, also a significant arms supplier to Israel, has halted new export approvals since the start of the Gaza conflict, citing concerns about potential human rights violations. Similarly, Canada and the Netherlands have reviewed and suspended arms exports to Israel to ensure compliance with humanitarian law.

The decision to suspend the weapons shipment has sparked debates within the US political landscape, with some lawmakers urging President Biden to reconsider. However, concerns about civilian casualties and adherence to humanitarian principles remain central to the discussion.