Senators Probe Israel's Alleged Violations as Biden Administration Deadline Looms

As the May 8 deadline approaches for the Biden administration's assessment of whether Israel is violatinginternational and US lawin Gaza, Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md) is expressing doubts about receiving an honest answer. Van Hollen, who pushed for a State Department probe into the matter, hosted a private meeting with 13 senators on Wednesday to discuss an independent analysis of Israel's actions in Gaza.

Why this matters: The outcome of this assessment has significant implications for US foreign policy and aid, as it may lead to a reevaluation of the country's relationship with Israel and its role in the Middle East. Moreover, the credibility of the US government's commitment to upholding international law and human rights hangs in the balance.

In December, Van Hollen rallied 19 senators to support legislation demanding assurances that countries receiving American weaponry, including Israel, are complying with international and US statutes barring violence against civilians and efforts to block humanitarian aid. In response, President Joe Biden issued a new policy, NSM 20, requiring federal agencies to send a report to Congress on Israel's conduct during its Gaza operation by May 8.

The administration appears to be split on the issue. The US Agency for International Development and several State Department bureaus believe Israel is not respecting international law or US laws, which could lead to the withdrawal of military assistance. However, the State Department team leading the report has sidestepped the question of whether violations are occurring, instead emphasizing the risks of cutting off support for Israel.

Van Hollen has praised an independent analysis performed by an ad hoc group of outside experts, which investigated scores of examples of Israeli military actions in Gaza and concluded that they violated international law and US directives in a clear pattern. The analysis's authors, including former State Department official Josh Paul and prominent Palestinian American attorney Noura Erakat, briefed senators on Wednesday.

"The credibility of the U.S. government depends on it being honest and based in fact and law," Van Hollen said. Van Hollen said. "So far, the reporting on the internal dynamics at the State Department clearly indicated that those who were most expert in applying the facts and the law were ignored and overlooked by those pushing a particular policy agenda." He added, "Together, the recent developments represent a big warning sign, like a big flare, with respect to the upcoming report."

The issue has sparked controversy, with 88 Democratic members of the House of Representatives writing to Biden saying that they believe Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid for Gaza violate US law. Israel has been pummeling Gaza with near-total US support for nearly seven months, killing close to 35,000 people and initiating a famine in retaliation for an October 7 attack by the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas.

As the May 8 deadline looms, all eyes are on the Biden administration to see if it will provide an honest assessment of Israel's actions in Gaza based on the facts and the law. The independent analysis briefed to senators this week concludes Israel has violated international law and US directives, adding to the pressure on the administration. The credibility of the US government hangs in the balance as it grapples with this contentious issue that has major implications for US foreign policy and aid.

Key Takeaways

• May 8 deadline looms for Biden admin's assessment of Israel's actions in Gaza.
• Senator Chris Van Hollen doubts honest answer, citing internal State Dept. dynamics.
• Independent analysis concludes Israel violated international law and US directives.
• US foreign policy and aid to Israel hang in the balance, with implications for human rights.
• 88 House Democrats wrote to Biden, saying Israel's Gaza restrictions violate US law.