The United States has halted the delivery of bombs to Israel due to concerns over their potential use in an incursion in Rafah, according to a US official.
The shipment, which was delayed last week, consists of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs.
"We are particularly concerned about the use of the 2,000-pound bombs in densely populated urban areas, as we have seen in other parts of Gaza," the official said.
Israeli leaders have been warning for weeks about a potential invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, even as the US and others have publicly stated opposition to such a ground operation. The Biden administration has called for a comprehensive plan to protect over a million civilians taking shelter in Rafah and prevent a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the coastal enclave.
On Monday, Israel conducted what the US described as a "limited" operation in Rafah, seizing control of the border crossing with Egypt, which is crucial for humanitarian aid.
"This seems to be a limited operation, but much depends on what happens next," State Department spokesman Matt Miller said on Tuesday. "They have made it quite clear, it's no secret, that they intend to carry out a major military operation there. We have made it clear that we oppose such an operation."
The US and Israel have been in regular communication about Israeli military plans for a major ground operation in southern Gaza, but the administration has emphasized that these plans are not yet finalized.
"We have seen some concepts, but nothing detailed at this point," Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a press briefing on Monday.
Nonetheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that a ground operation in Rafah is necessary to maintain pressure on Hamas to release remaining hostages and achieve victory. As Israel's leadership approached a final decision, the US began reviewing proposed transfers of specific weapons to Israel that could be used in Rafah, the US official said. The review process began in April and resulted in the suspension of shipments of the two types of bombs.
Marc Garlasco, a former US defense intelligence analyst and UN war crimes investigator, stated in December that the intensity of Israel's bombardment in Gaza during the first month "has not been seen since Vietnam."
The US is also considering the potential sale or transfer of other munitions, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, to Israel, the official said. However, these transfers are not imminent and would occur in the future.
The Pentagon declined to comment on the suspension of shipments but reiterated its commitment to Israel's defense.
"Our commitment to Israel's security remains unwavering," Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh said at a briefing on Tuesday. "You've seen that since October 7. You've seen us increase security assistance to Israel. So while I won't comment further, I can assure you that our commitment to Israel's security remains unchanged."