By halting the delivery of US-made bombs to Israel and hinting at potential further restrictions, Joe Biden is asserting his independence from Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence. This move signifies a shift in the dynamics of their relationship.
Netanyahu’s disregard for US warnings regarding the offensive in Rafah was a miscalculation. He assumed that disrupting the US weapons supply would harm Biden more than himself, potentially impacting the US president during an election year.
The Biden administration is challenging this assumption. While avoiding the term “red line” due to past failures, Biden’s actions clearly draw a line in the sand.
US hints at pausing arms shipments to Israel over Rafah conflictRead more
The decision to delay the shipment of bombs was not disguised as a logistical issue. Officials openly discussed it, signaling a potential shift in US-Israel relations depending on Israel’s actions in Rafah.
The symbolic significance of this move lies in its rarity. The IDF has ample firepower without these bombs, making the gesture more about sending a message than impacting military capabilities.
Israeli backlash against the US decision is expected, with accusations of leaving Israel vulnerable. However, US officials believe this pressure could lead to a more sustainable ceasefire agreement.
The threat of further arms restrictions serves as leverage in negotiations, potentially pushing both parties towards a lasting peace deal.
2024-05-08 14:30:22
Post from www.theguardian.com