The Biden administration is facing pressure to complete a report due to Congress this week on whether Israel has violated international humanitarian law during its war in Gaza. The report has sparked division within the State Department, with doubts raised over Israel’s assurances of using US weapons without violating international law. It comes at a critical time in the conflict, with Israel possibly moving towards a new incursion into Gaza. The failure to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has led to protests on American campuses and the cancellation of graduation ceremonies.
Following pressure from Democrats in Congress, Biden agreed to issue a new national security memorandum examining Israel’s use of US weapons. The report, which is delayed, would assess whether Israel has impeded the delivery of US humanitarian assistance. Republican lawmakers have criticized the memorandum as adding unnecessary bureaucracy. Israeli officials are concerned about potential pressure from the findings, fearing it could lead to conditions being placed on US military aid. However, the Biden administration has avoided punitive measures against Israel despite acknowledging the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
A recent report by Amnesty International highlighted serious violations of humanitarian and human rights law by Israel, using US weapons in a way inconsistent with US law and policy. The report cited specific examples of violations, triggering calls from Democrats not to take Israel’s assurances at face value. Democratic lawmakers believe the Biden administration should pause transfers of offensive weapons to Israel until certain demands are met. The delay in delivering the report underscores the seriousness with which the State Department is treating the issue.
Democrats in Congress have urged a thorough review of Israel’s conduct and have pushed for evidence to support Israel’s assurances of compliance with international law. The possibility of changes in US policy based on the report’s findings has raised concerns within the Netanyahu government. Israeli officials have been in contact with the administration during the report’s development. The report could lead to a change in US policy towards military aid to Israel, with implications for the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
While the Biden administration has avoided punitive measures against Israel, concerns about violations of international law have prompted calls for reassessing US support. The escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised questions about the use of US weapons in the conflict. Democratic lawmakers have criticized a lack of evidence to support Israel’s compliance and called for a pause in offensive weapon transfers. The delay in delivering the report highlights the complex dynamics at play in assessing Israel’s conduct during the war in Gaza.
The completion of the report could have significant implications for US policy towards Israel and its military aid. The Biden administration faces pressure from Congress to conduct a thorough review of Israel’s conduct and the use of US weapons. The delay in delivering the report reflects the gravity and complexity of the issue at hand. As the conflict continues in Gaza, the findings of this report could shape future decisions on US support for Israel and its military operations in the region.
