Anjali Sharma
GG News Bureau
WASHINGTON DC, 1st April. According to news media reports on Sunday the Biden administration has quietly sanctioned the transfer of billions of dollars of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, after the potential tensions in southern Gaza between Hamas and Israeli forces.
The report added despite apprehensions about the impact on Palestinian civilians Washington has proceeded with the arms packages, signaling its unwavering support for Israel’s defence strategies.
Pentagon and State Department officials familiar with the matter has confirmed the authorizations include a substantial arsenal of munitions, comprising over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs,
The decision to green light such significant weaponry raises eyebrows,given the lethal history of the 2,000-pound bombs in previous Israeli military campaigns in Gaza, which have resulted in mass casualties, as reported in media.
The Biden administration has expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of an Israeli offensive in southern Gaza, it has refrained from conditioning aid or imposing restrictions on arms transfers.
White House official reiterated the administration’s stance, affirming its continued support for Israel’s right to self-defence and emphasized that conditioning aid has not been part of its policy.
Some democrats argued for a more nuanced approach, insisting on Israeli commitments to minimize civilian casualties and facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland urged the administration to leverage its influence effectively, demanding assurances from Israel before approving further arms transfers to Gaza.
The impasse highlighted the delicate balance in US-Israel relations, with disagreements emerging over the conduct of the conflict.
Biden administration seeks to engage with Israeli authorities to mitigate the bloodshed, tensions have flared over the refusal to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire, which Israel perceived as undermining its position.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent visit to Washington underscored Israel’s urgent requests for expedited weaponry, with Gen Charles Q Brown Jr, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledging Israel’s persistent demands for critical military supplies. However, the US has exercised discretion in fulfilling these requests, cited capacity limits and strategic considerations.
The decision to proceed with arms transfers has drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about the moral implications and potential complicity in Israel’s military actions. Critics argue that the indiscriminate use of powerful munitions, such as the MK84 bombs, poses significant risks to civilian populations and may constitute violations of international law.
The Biden administration’s approach has sparked internal debate, with advocates defending the need to maintain robust support for Israel’s security while acknowledging the humanitarian imperative of minimizing civilian harm.
Efforts to engage with Israeli officials behind the scenes have yielded mixed results, with delays in planned military operations in Gaza attributed partly to ongoing discussions.
Biden administration remains committed to facilitating humanitarian assistance to alleviate the dire conditions in Gaza despite the diplomatic tensions.
There are logistical challenges and Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries have hindered efforts to address the humanitarian crisis effectively.
Biden administration faces mounting pressure to reconcile its support for Israel’s security with its humanitarian obligations and concerns about civilian welfare.
The delicate balancing act underscores the broader challenges of US foreign policy in the Middle East, where geopolitical interests intersect with moral imperatives.
Biden administration confronts a daunting task in reconciling competing priorities and upholding its commitments to both Israel’s security and the well-being of Palestinian civilians, as the situation in Gaza remains volatile.
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