Biden to bypass Congress for third time to supply additional weapons to Israel
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The United States is poised to deliver additional weapons to Israel, a move that comes as the Biden administration urges for a ceasefire in the war-torn region. Reports indicate that the proposed arms shipment includes a substantial quantity of bombs and munitions, including MK-82 500-pound bombs and KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) aimed at enhancing Israel's defence capabilities.
Sources suggest that the delivery, estimated to be worth tens of millions of dollars, is intended to bolster Israel's defences against ongoing and emerging regional threats. Despite concerns regarding potential human rights violations, the assessment drafted by the US embassy in Jerusalem appears to downplay such apprehensions, emphasizing Israel's purported efforts to prevent gross violations and hold accountable those responsible for any transgressions.
This move by the Biden administration marks the third instance of bypassing Congress to urgently provide military support to Israel during the conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties among Palestinians, including numerous civilian casualties, including children and women, and left tens of thousands more injured or missing.
While President Biden has reportedly engaged in extensive discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, advocating for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, Israel remains determined to proceed with plans for a ground invasion in southern Rafah. The proposed operation, set to target the densely populated city near the Gaza-Egypt border, has raised alarm among international observers and rights groups, who warn of catastrophic consequences for civilians already reeling from the humanitarian crisis.
Despite Biden's expressed concerns about the potential humanitarian toll of a ground invasion, the administration appears reluctant to impose tangible consequences, such as halting weapons transfers to Israel. Biden has urged Netanyahu to ensure any military action in Rafah is accompanied by a credible plan to protect Palestinian civilians, emphasizing the need to avoid exacerbating an already dire situation.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have emphasized their commitment to thoroughly planning the ground invasion of Rafah, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant asserting that evacuation plans for civilians are underway. However, top UN officials have cast doubt on the feasibility of safely evacuating residents from the area, highlighting the absence of safe havens in Gaza amid sustained hostilities.
In response to international pressure and concerns, Netanyahu has rejected what he describes as "international dictates" on a long-term resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, reaffirming Israel's determination to pursue its strategic objectives in the region.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the delivery of additional weapons to Israel underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play and the challenges facing efforts to de-escalate tensions and achieve sustainable peace in the region.