The Recent Decision by President Biden to Halt Arms Shipment to Israel: A Step in the Right Direction or Too Little Too Late?
Rights advocates are concerned that President Biden’s decision to halt a shipment of bombs to Israel may be too little too late to undo the damage caused by Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. The pause in the shipment is seen as falling short of what US law and policy require in terms of weapons transfers, according to government watchdog groups and rights advocates.
Former State Department official, Josh Paul, believes that this pause should mark the beginning of a significant change in American policy towards providing security assistance to Israel. However, the decision comes after months of devastation in Gaza, leading to calls for a more comprehensive approach to prevent civilian harm and violations of international law.
Despite the acknowledgment of civilian casualties in Gaza caused by US-supplied bombs, President Biden maintains support for Israel’s security. The decision to halt the arms shipment followed concerns over Israel’s plans for Rafah, highlighting the complex dynamics of US-Israel relations.
Human rights advocates stress that even if the US were to cease military assistance to Israel, the impact of seven months of conflict in Gaza cannot be reversed. The estimated cost for Gaza’s reconstruction adds to the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.