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Biden Publicly Vows to Withhold Arms Supplies from Israel in Case of Major Invasion of Rafah

U.S. President Joe Biden publicly pledged to withhold weapons from Israel if its forces undertake a major invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza. This statement, made during negotiations for a ceasefire plan in Cairo, signals a departure from previous U.S. support for Israel. Biden's remarks increase pressure on Israel to avoid a full-scale assault on Rafah, where many Palestinians have sought refuge.

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Biden Publicly Vows to Withhold Arms Supplies from Israel in Case of Major Invasion of Rafah

President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to Israel, vowing to withhold weapons if its forces launch a major invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This statement comes as negotiations for a ceasefire plan in the enclave were set to continue in Cairo on Thursday.

"I made it clear that if they go into Rafah..., I'm not supplying the weapons," Biden said during an  interview with CNN on Wednesday. The President acknowledged that U.S. bombs provided to Israel have resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza during the seven-month offensive aimed at annihilating Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

Biden's remarks, the strongest to date, increase pressure on Israel to refrain from a full-scale assault on Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have sought refuge after fleeing combat zones farther north in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously stated that the Rafah operation would proceed, citing the need to defeat thousands of Hamas fighters allegedly present in the city.

Despite Biden's warning, Israel has continued tank and aerial strikes on southern Gaza after moving in through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt on Tuesday, effectively cutting off a vital aid route. The United States is Israel's largest supplier of weapons, and it had accelerated deliveries after the Hamas attacks on October 7 that triggered Israel's offensive in Gaza. However, Biden clarified that while weapons for Israel's defense, such as the Iron Dome anti-missile system, would continue, offensive weapons would be withheld if Rafah is invaded.

Why It Matters:

Biden's stance on withholding weapons from Israel if it invades Rafah carries significant implications. It reflects the growing pressure he faces from fellow Democrats and campus protests to deter Israel from such an action, as his support for Israel has become a political liability as he runs for re-election. The decision also underscores the escalating tensions between the U.S. and its longstanding ally over the Gaza conflict.

Also, the potential invasion of Rafah raises grave humanitarian concerns. The United Nations, Gaza residents, and humanitarian groups have warned that further incursion into the city could result in a catastrophic situation. With Palestinians already crammed into tented camps and makeshift shelters, suffering from shortages of food, water, and medicine, an assault on Rafah could exacerbate the already dire conditions.

As negotiations in Cairo continue, the outcome will have far-reaching consequences for the region's stability and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Biden's warning adds a new layer of complexity to the talks, putting pressure on both sides to find a diplomatic solution that avoids further escalation and protects civilian lives.

Key takeaways :

  • President Joe Biden has issued a warning to Israel, stating that he will withhold weapons if Israeli forces launch a major invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza.
  • The warning comes amidst negotiations for a ceasefire plan in Gaza, set to continue in Cairo.
  • Biden's warning increases pressure on Israel to refrain from a full-scale assault on Rafah, where many Palestinians have sought refuge.
  • Despite the warning, Israel has continued tank and aerial strikes on southern Gaza after moving in through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.
  • The United States is Israel's largest supplier of weapons, but Biden clarified that offensive weapons would be withheld if Rafah is invaded.