The Biden administration last week put a hold on a shipment of U.S.-made ammunition to Israel, two Israeli officials told Axios.

Why it matters: It is the first time since the Oct. 7 attack that the U.S. has stopped a weapons shipment intended for the Israeli military. The incident raised serious concerns inside the Israeli government and sent officials scrambling to understand why the shipment was held, Israeli officials said.

President Biden is facing sharp criticism among Americans who oppose his support of Israel. The administration in February asked Israel to provide assurances that U.S.-made weapons were being used by Israel Defense Forces in Gaza in accordance with international law. Israel provided a signed letter of assurances in March.

  • Evilcoleslaw@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    If true that’s an encouraging development, but I’m withholding judgement until it’s confirmed as true and the reasons behind it are revealed. Whether it’s part of a larger message about offensive aid in relation to Israel continuing to signal an imminent large ground invasion of Rafah, or one of the baby steps of sanctioning individual military units, or if it’s just some logistical holdup.

    If it’s anything but the latter the administration really needs to work on their public messaging. Even if you’re playing hardball behind the scenes to reduce harm, continuing with the public line of “We support whatever Israel does 100% of the time every time.” makes anything else ring hollow.

  • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    The US and Israel have both said it was a logistical problem, not a political or legal problem. CNN

    Of course you found the absolute worst take that had no real information and all of the conjecture.

    The Biden administration paused a shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel, according to a source familiar with the matter, who did not disclose why the decision was made. The hold is not connected to a potential Israeli operation in Rafah and doesn’t affect other shipments moving forward, the source said.

    Asked about the paused shipment, a National Security Council spokesperson cited ongoing security assistance to Israel.

    “The United States has surged billions of dollars in security assistance to Israel since the October 7 attacks, passed the largest ever supplemental appropriation for emergency assistance to Israel, led an unprecedented coalition to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, and will continue to do what is necessary to ensure Israel can defend itself from the threats it faces,” the spokesperson said.

    • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.worldOP
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      7 months ago

      It was the only article released at the time I posted it. Every other article I could find cited it as the source. That’s so discouraging. I really thought there was hesitation in supply.

      • Maggoty@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Well shit. I apologize. But now you’ve got officials saying one thing and then the other. This is usually what we get with the GOP in the white house.

        • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.worldOP
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          6 months ago

          No apology needed. At first it was only that Axios article, without a named source. Then the CNN article stated that the reasons were unconfirmed. This is the first article citing White House officials, and it’s still not a direct communication.

          At this point I’d like to hear of an official change in stance, or at least formal condemnation of the Rafah attack, before being certain that this indicates change.

  • Rapidcreek@lemmy.world
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    7 months ago

    What’s funny is how some are very quick to take credit for this. Doesn’t hurt anybody, but it’s kind of silly.

    Biden has sanctioned the Israelis that support Bibi. Biden said there would be ramifications to going into Rafah. Representatives and Senators from both sides of the aisle have urged him to do this very thing because they don’t have enough courage to do it themselves

    Yet, when he does it it’s all about protests and he’s asshole.

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        7 months ago

        I don’t believe the protests were a dominating factor to this decision. It’s obvious that Biden doesn’t like Bibi, just as it’s obvious that Bibi is prolonging this war for his own political gain.

        • disguy_ovahea@lemmy.worldOP
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          7 months ago

          Biden definitely doesn’t align with Netanyahu, but he’s been very diplomatic thus far. Netanyahu knows he is not facing reelection regardless of what he does from now on. He had a 15% favorability rating as of January, which has undoubtedly fallen since instigating Iran.

    • Ensign_Crab@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      I’m glad that Biden reluctantly listened to the anti-genocide portion of his own party. It’s sad that opposition to genocide is only a faction of the Democratic party instead of the whole thing.

      I hope he doesn’t resume arms sales to Netanyahu.

      • Rapidcreek@lemmy.world
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        7 months ago

        Congress passed an arms package for Israel. Biden has no choice but to honor that at some point.