In a move stirring significant controversy, the Biden administration is reportedly halting military aid to Israel.
According to Daily Wire, this decision comes at a critical time as Israel intensifies its military operations against Hamas in Gaza following the devastating terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.
Following the brutal attack by Hamas, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities, Israel has been aggressively pursuing the terrorist group within the Gaza Strip.
However, their efforts are being complicated by the U.S. government's apparent reluctance to process and notify Congress of military aid to Israel, a necessary step for the aid's provision.
The blocked aid reportedly includes essential items such as 6,500 kits that convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions, tank ammunition, military vehicles, and mortar rounds.
Normally, such sales would require notification to Congress once they exceed certain financial thresholds, but this procedure has been bypassed, raising questions about the administration's motives.
This contentious issue is deepened by allegations that the administration might declare Israel in violation of U.S. or international law in its conduct in Gaza, potentially jeopardizing future aid during a crucial period of conflict.
On April 30, leading figures from U.S. politics, Representatives Michael T. McCaul and Senator James Risch, voiced strong objections to the administration's actions in a sharply worded letter to President Biden.
They specifically targeted the timing and content of his National Security Memorandum, arguing that it seeks to placate those critical of U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing regional threats.
The congressmen stated:
NSM-20 plainly was designed to appease critics of Israel. Following the brutal October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas – a U.S. designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) – Israel has been engaged in a campaign to destroy the military and governing capacity of Hamas in Gaza. Israel faces near-daily rocket fire from Hezbollah, another FTO, into its northern territory (where tens of thousands of citizens have been displaced), while Iran and Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen pose grave threats to Israel. Iran’s unprecedented drone and missile attack on April 13, 2024, was only the latest in a long series of aggressive actions that threaten regional stability. The February 2024 release date of the NSM, and the subsequent media attention it has generated on Israel alone, make clear that the policy is primarily motivated to placate anti-Israel sentiment at home and abroad.
Furthermore, their appeal to the administration was forceful:
We urge you to revoke NSM-20, abide by the robust and vital human rights safeguards already codified in U.S. security assistance law, and continue to support our critical partners around the world.
This development occurs against a backdrop of continuous threats from Iran and its proxies, which exacerbate the region's instability. Israel’s strategic situation is increasingly precarious, underscored by frequent attacks from Hezbollah in the north, adding layers of complexity to U.S.-Israel relations during a period of significant geopolitical tension.
In conclusion, the Biden administration's decision to withhold military aid notifications to Congress raises significant concerns about U.S. commitment to Israel's security amidst ongoing conflicts. The administration's potential accusations against Israel violating laws could further strain relationships, making the timing and approach to foreign aid a pivotal point of debate. As this situation unfolds, the implications for regional stability and U.S.-Israel relations will be closely watched.
