The United States has suspended a weapons delivery to Israel due to concerns about an offensive on Rafah in the Gaza Strip. This decision was made because Washington opposes a large-scale offensive without a credible plan to protect civilians.
Discussions between Israeli and U.S. officials about alternatives to the offensive are ongoing, but as of now, they have not fully addressed U.S. concerns. The U.S. State Department is also reviewing other arms transfers, including precision bombs known as JDAMs.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel will defend itself regardless of international pressure. This has sparked a reaction among Republicans in the U.S., who have criticized any measures that limit military aid to Israel. The Israeli army deployed tanks to Rafah, took control of the border crossing with Egypt, and closed access points for humanitarian aid, prompting the U.S. to call these measures unacceptable.
Republican opponents, including the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, have called for an end to any restrictions on military aid to Israel