President Biden implemented a new policy last year regarding arms transfers to foreign militaries that may harm civilians during conflicts. This policy requires countries with a high likelihood of violating international law or human rights to be denied American weapons. This change lowered the threshold from requiring “actual knowledge” of violations to a more proactive approach.
In response to this policy, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken directed State Department officials to investigate incidents of civilian harm caused by foreign militaries using American weapons. This directive could lead to halting arms deliveries in certain cases.
However, the recent conflict between Hamas and Israel has put President Biden in a difficult position regarding the use of U.S. arms by Israel. Critics argue that his reluctance to restrict arms deliveries to Israel contradicts his goal of protecting civilians in wartime.
The Biden administration is facing new challenges as Israel considers a full invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, despite the President’s opposition. Additionally, a report to Congress will assess whether Israel has complied with U.S. and international law in its use of American weapons.
If the report reveals violations, President Biden may restrict arms deliveries to Israel. Pressure is mounting from House Democrats urging him to prevent further humanitarian crises in Gaza.
These initiatives were introduced as part of a broader focus on human rights in American foreign policy, distinguishing the Biden administration from its predecessor. The decision to halt arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia due to civilian casualties in Yemen exemplifies this shift in priorities.
The conflict in Gaza has brought renewed attention to the use of American weapons by Israel, testing the effectiveness of President Biden’s policies in promoting human rights on the global stage.