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In a dramatic turn of events, the historically robust alliance between the United States and Israel appears to have hit a stumbling block. This crack in trust surfaced when President Joe Biden declared he would no longer supply weapons if Israel pushed forward with the planned invasion of Rafah, dramatically shifting the balance of one of the world’s most strategic relationships.
Historically, arms shipments to Israel formed the organization’s backbone, but the increasingly challenging situation in Gaza has pressured Biden to rethink America’s role in enforcing peace. This strategic move echoes similar actions taken by previous president Ronald Reagan in the 1980s. Reagan withheld arms shipments to influence Israeli military action, demonstrating the viable use of these means for leverage.
The ongoing war in Gaza has thrown Biden into a political tightrope walk, necessitating careful negotiation between the pro-Israel Republican party and his own politically divided Democratic Party. Senior diplomat Aaron David Miller indicates that up until now, Biden has been cautious about damaging the US-Israel relationship.
The game-changer in this situation was Biden’s perception that Israel was on the brink of deciding to invade Rafah, a densely populated Palestinian city. The notion of intense civilian casualties was concerning, particularly given the reported humanitarian crisis already unfolding in the area. The UN cites that over 100,000 refugees have already fled the fighting, with severe shortages of shelter, food, water, and basic sanitary services adding to the crisis.
This political shift has not been welcomed by all, with some, such as Senator Lindsey Graham drawing direct comparisons with America’s use of nuclear bombs on Japan during World War II as a strategy for Israel to survive. Graham reiterated that in defense of their survival, Israel should “do whatever you have to do.”
Graham’s views highlight the stark divide on this issue. On the one hand, it appears that Biden’s stance represents a broader global push for a more sensitive approach to conflicts and wars that inevitably impact civilian life. On the other hand, proponents of a hard-line approach view such actions as necessary evils in the face of imminent threats.
Information Box:
– The US-Israel alliance has historically been maintained through arms shipments.
– President Biden’s decision to halt these shipments marks an unprecedented shift in US-Israel relations, reminiscent of actions taken by President Reagan in the 1980s.
– The potential invasion of Rafah, a densely populated Palestinian city, prompted Biden’s decision.
– The UN has highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 100,000 refugees fleeing the fighting and severe shortages of shelter, food, water, and sanitation services.
– Senator Lindsey Graham suggested a controversial view that Israel should adopt extreme measures, drawing parallels to the US’s use of nuclear bombs on Japan in World War II.
References
1: “Crack in US-Israel alliance for first time in decades” – BBC News, Tom Bateman
2: “Lindsey Graham Equates Dropping Nukes on Japan With What Israel Should Do in Gaza: ‘Do Whatever You Have to Do to Survive’” – Yahoo News, Stephanie Kaloi
3: “Who are Israel’s key weapons suppliers, and who has halted exports since Oct. 7?” – The Times of Israel, REUTERS and TOI STAFF
4: “Why is the US blocking some bomb shipments to Israel? All you need to know” – Aljazeera
Twitter Post: “New turn in US-Israel alliance. Biden chooses to halt arms shipments in the wake of escalating Gaza conflict. Dynamic shift or alarming rift? #USIsrael #GazaConflict #Rafah”