WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden faces a critical juncture regarding America's military aid to Israel in its conflict with Hamas, a decision that could have significant and lasting implications for his presidency and the relationship with the Middle Eastern nation.
Biden's move to temporarily halt a shipment of arms to Israel, coupled with a State Department report indicating that U.S. weapons may have been used in Gaza in ways that failed to adequately protect civilians, represents a turning point for the Democratic president. This marks the first time during the conflict that Biden has imposed conditions on U.S. weapons, specifically barring the transfer of high payload bombs or artillery shells until Israel abandons plans to invade the densely populated city of Rafah.
Congressman Ro Khanna, a prominent progressive and Biden campaign surrogate, remarked, "I think he's had it in terms of his patience, of being defied, especially given the extraordinary goodwill he extended for months."
Progressive frustration with Biden's handling of the conflict, which has persisted for more than seven months, has reached a fever pitch. College campuses have been engulfed in protests, and young voters and Democratic lawmakers have warned Biden of a potential collapse in support at the ballot box. Senator Bernie Sanders even likened the conflict to Biden's Vietnam.
The issue of U.S. military aid to Israel has been a major point of contention, with deep divisions emerging within the Democratic Party over how Biden should proceed. While most congressional Democrats voted to increase assistance to Israel in April, 88 members of the party raised "serious concerns" in a letter to Biden regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, urging the administration to consider withholding some arms transfers.
Following Biden's decision to pause arms transfers, a smaller group of Democrats sent a letter to the White House questioning the move, expressing deep concerns about the message it sends to Hamas and other Iranian-backed groups. They have requested a classified briefing to explain the decision.
Republicans have also criticized Biden, with House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul stating that Biden's actions have caused a significant rift in U.S.-Israel relations, damaging not only the longstanding bond with Israel but also affecting the perception of U.S. reliability among allies and enemies alike.
U.S. officials have cited the large population in Rafah, where over a million people have sought refuge, as a key factor in the decision to suspend certain types of offensive weapons while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu considers a major ground invasion. Despite the pause, Biden reaffirmed his support for Israel's defense.
Biden's advisors argue that the conflict is at a different stage than it was after Hamas' initial attack on Israel in October, with significant pressure being applied to Hamas. They believe there are better alternatives to a major ground operation to target Hamas in Rafah.
While the Biden administration had previously stated it would not interfere in Israel's military operations, the temporary halt on arms shipments sends a clear message to Israel to heed the advice of U.S. military advisers in defeating Hamas or risk losing access to critical weapons.
Senator Elizabeth Warren emphasized that the U.S. always conditions foreign aid and that Biden's actions remind Israel's Prime Minister that exacerbating a humanitarian crisis will not go unchallenged by the United States.
In response to the arms pause, Netanyahu stated that Israel would "stand alone" if necessary in the conflict. The White House indicated that U.S. officials will continue discussions with Israel about alternatives to an invasion.
Overall, Biden's recent actions represent a tactical shift rather than a wholesale change in U.S. policy toward Israel. The administration has sought to buy time for Israel while providing diplomatic and political support, but the limits of U.S. intervention are becoming evident.