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.
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.