U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III told a Senate committee on Wednesday that the United States “has been clear from the beginning that Israel should not launch attacks on Rafah without considering and protecting civilians on the ground.” major attack.” We have once again suspended the shipment of a shipment of high payload munitions while we assess the situation. “
The 2,000-pound bombs, reportedly among the largest in Israel’s arsenal, were used frequently in the early weeks of the war, including in areas designated by the military as safe for civilians. An investigation by the New York Times.
Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli tanks rolled into Rafah and seized the city’s Gaza side of the border with Egypt, after warning civilians to evacuate to nearby safe areas. The operation did not amount to a full-scale invasion, and hours later the White House confirmed it had suspended bomb deliveries.
Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli diplomat, said the decision was prompted by growing U.S. dissatisfaction with Mr Netanyahu and pressure from some congressional Democrats for closer oversight . Israel uses US weapons. He added that this sent a signal to Israel that a full-scale invasion of Rafah could have further consequences.
“The logic behind this is a warning: If you don’t get your act together, more obstacles may arise,” Mr. Pincus said.
Matan Kahana, a lawmaker from Benny Gantz’s party, is a political rival of Mr Netanyahu and a member of the wartime emergency government. Dependence on U.S. ammunition.
