Biden affirms commitment to refrain from providing offensive weapons to Israel in event of Rafah invasion

President Joe Biden announced that the U.S. will not supply Israel with certain weapons and artillery shells if its military invades Rafah in southern Gaza, where over 1 million people are sheltering. This decision marks a shift in U.S. policy towards the conflict, with Biden citing concerns over civilian casualties caused by Israeli airstrikes. The White House recently halted a planned shipment of offensive weapons to Israel, leading to frustration within the Israeli government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that Israeli military will enter Rafah with or without a deal with Hamas, further complicating efforts for a ceasefire. Biden has reiterated opposition to the Rafah offensive in calls with Netanyahu and highlighted Arab states’ willingness to assist in rebuilding Gaza and transitioning to a two-state solution.

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