US Allegedly Threatens to Suspend Military Aid to Israel Over Gaza Crisis
The Biden administration is reportedly considering the suspension of certain aspects of US military aid to Israel, unless it addresses the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Political Implications
This threat, which is not the first of its kind, appears to be timed with the upcoming November election. Vice President Kamala Harris has aligned herself with Biden's policies on Israel and Gaza, which has led to a loss of support among Arab-Americans in crucial swing states like Michigan, where the number of undecided voters is on the rise.
US Demands Action
This week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin sent a letter to the Israeli government. In it, they demanded "urgent and sustained action" to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. They warned that failure to do so could result in the suspension of select US military assistance. Israel has reportedly been given 30 days to show progress.
Letter Details
The letter stated that the Departments of State and Defense must continually evaluate Israel's adherence to its March 2024 assurances. These assurances included a pledge not to arbitrarily deny, restrict, or impede the transport or delivery of US humanitarian assistance to and within Gaza. The letter also stated that the State Department would need to conduct a similar assessment in order to provide additional Foreign Military Financing assistance to Israel.
Allegations of Aid Blockage
These warnings follow allegations from several NGOs and rights groups that Israel has been blocking vital aid from reaching the Gaza Strip, including aid sent from the US. Blinken and Austin noted in their letter that the amount of aid entering Gaza has dropped by 50 percent compared to the assurances provided in March and April.
Media Coverage
The New York Times has also started to criticize Israel. Its opinion editor recently published an essay featuring testimonies from 65 US-based health professionals who worked in Gaza over the past year. These professionals shared photographs and videos corroborating their accounts of treating children who were shot in the head or chest. The authenticity of these accounts and images has been questioned, but the criticisms have been dismissed as unfounded.
US Aid to Israel
Despite the ongoing conflict and numerous allegations of war crimes against Israel's military (often involving the use of American-supplied weapons), the Biden administration has only paused one single shipment of bombs. A recent study from Brown University documented the staggering amounts of aid given to Israel by the Biden/Harris administration over the last year, totaling $18 billion, with an additional $5 billion from US military actions for Israel.
US-Israel Relations
Regardless of these developments, it is unlikely that Washington will significantly block military aid to Israel, regardless of its actions. This is expected to remain true regardless of whether a Republican or Democratic administration is in the White House.
Bottom Line
The situation in Gaza is undeniably dire, and it's clear that international intervention is needed. The US's threat to suspend military aid to Israel is a significant development, but whether it will lead to any substantial change remains to be seen. What are your thoughts on this issue? Feel free to share this article with your friends and discuss it further. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
