Biden administration found itself embroiled in controversy after reports emerged that President Biden had decided to halt weapons shipments to Israel. The Associated Press revealed that the administration tried to keep this decision under wraps until after Biden’s Holocaust Remembrance Day speech, but the news leaked out, sparking widespread criticism.
During a CNN interview, President Biden confirmed that he had directed the Pentagon to pause the transfer of offensive weaponry to Israel, particularly those that could be used in operations against Hamas forces in Gaza’s Rafah city. Biden stressed his continued commitment to Israel’s defense but noted that he would no longer supply arms that could lead to attacks on populated urban areas.
The decision drew sharp rebukes from Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan, who accused Biden of yielding to political pressure from anti-Israel Democratic factions. Former U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman went further, accusing Biden of favoring Hamas over Israel by withholding crucial arms needed to combat the militant group.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell, called on Biden to lift the “weapons embargo,” warning that it could embolden Israel’s enemies. Their concerns were heightened amid escalating violence, with Hamas rejecting ceasefires, Israel seizing Gaza’s Rafah border crossing, and the militant group even attacking a U.S. aid vessel.
The White House’s attempt to delay public disclosure of the arms halt until after Biden’s Holocaust commemoration speech failed, leading to renewed criticism from Republican critics regarding Biden’s foreign policy decisions. As Israeli forces continued strikes in Rafah and issued mass evacuation orders, pressure mounted on President Biden to reconsider his stance.
The unfolding crisis has underscored the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning long-standing alliances and regional conflicts. It has also added strain to the already fragile relationship between the Biden administration and Israel’s government.
