US Delaying Some Weapons Shipments to Israel, Austin Confirms

This article was originally published  by The Epoch Times: US Delaying Some Weapons Shipments to Israel, Austin Confirms

In an unexpected twist, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently revealed that the Biden administration has put the brakes on some arms deliveries to Israel while they reassess the implications of these shipments on civilian safety in Gaza.

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing on May 8, Austin explained that the Pentagon is currently reviewing specific security assistance shipments amid concerns surrounding a potential Israeli siege on Rafah, a city densely populated by individuals who recently fled from northern Gaza due to ongoing military actions.

“We are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of the unfolding events in Rafah,” Austin stated, emphasizing that no irreversible decisions have yet been made regarding the shipments.

As it stands, Rafah is home to approximately 1.5 million people, a number bolstered by the influx of those escaping the brutality of earlier offensives. The administration is voicing concerns that heightened military operations in this already overcrowded area could lead to catastrophic civilian casualties—potentially tens of thousands.

To address these concerns, Austin had discussions with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant earlier that week, reiterating the United States’ call for Israel to prioritize civilian safety and facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries.

Interestingly, while noting the need for precise weaponry in complex urban warfare, Austin pointed out that the delayed shipments involve “high-payload munitions” that could wreak havoc if utilized in densely populated regions. “It’s about having the right kinds of weapons for the task at hand,” he remarked. “A small-diameter bomb, which is suited for built-up environments, could be advantageous, but a 2,000-pound bomb? That’s a different story altogether.”

Amidst this dialogue comes a contrasting note from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who criticized the administration’s cautious approach, suggesting that Israel should be given unrestricted access to the weaponry necessary for its struggle against Hamas. Graham described the delay as “disastrous” and audaciously invoked the United States’ past justifications for nuclear strikes during World War II as a parallel for Israel’s current policies. “This is hypnosis and Nagasaki on steroids,” he proclaimed, disregarding the broader humanitarian implications.

As the conflict in Gaza now stretches into its seventh month, following a Hamas assault on October 7, 2023—an act that left over 1,200 Israelis dead—the scale of the fallout has been staggering. Reports from local health authorities indicate that as many as 33,000 Palestinians have perished due to the ongoing Israeli military operations.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has made it clear that Israel aims to “take over the entire Gaza Strip,” emphasizing that no reconstruction efforts will be permitted until Hamas is eradicated. This unwavering military stance is undergirded by the United States as its chief ally, which has recently faced significant domestic backlash for its perceived endorsement of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

As Austin noted, Israel’s current military strategy may unintentionally sow the seeds for future terrorism—an unfortunate lesson learned through two decades of American intervention in the Middle East. “Hamas does not equate to the Palestinian people,” he asserted, underscoring the necessity of civilian protection as a dual moral and strategic imperative. “You can protect civilians while conducting military operations; the two are not mutually exclusive.”

Although certain shipments are temporarily held for further evaluation, Austin did mention that a historic security supplemental package, amounting to over $16 billion in assistance for Israel, had been enacted the previous month. “Our commitment to Israel remains unbreakable, and it is essential that Hamas is defeated,” Austin stated, while maintaining that civilian welfare should also be a priority.

Likewise, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that while one shipment has been paused, others are still under review to avert further civilian tragedies. “We have severe concerns about the possible ramifications of military actions in Rafah,” he noted, emphasizing the alarming density of the population present and the devastating outcomes of Israel’s historical military operations.

However, Republican members of the committee expressed frustration over the delays in weapon shipments, with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) arguing that any pause in deliveries symbolized a lack of support for Israel. “I would submit to you that pausing or delaying the delivery of weapons to Israel is a decision, and it’s a decision that most members of Congress would take issue with,” she asserted.

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