The United States has paused a shipment of bombs to Israel amid concerns about their potential use in a ground operation in Rafah, Gaza, a US official revealed. The halted shipment includes 1,800 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds each and 1,700 bombs weighing 500 pounds each.
Reasons for the Pause
According to the US official, the focus is on the impact that these bombs could have in dense urban settings, such as Rafah, which has become a major area of concern for potential civilian casualties. This decision aligns with the Biden administration’s call for a comprehensive plan to protect the over one million civilians seeking shelter in Rafah.
The US’s pause in bomb shipments came after weeks of warning from Israeli leaders about a possible incursion into Rafah, despite public statements from the US and others opposing such an operation. The Biden administration has emphasized that any major ground operation should have clear plans to mitigate civilian harm and avoid an expansion of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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Limited Operation in Rafah
On Monday, Israel conducted a “limited” operation in Rafah, taking control of the border crossing with Egypt, a critical route for humanitarian aid into Gaza. State Department spokesman Matt Miller described the operation as limited, noting that future actions in Rafah would determine its full scope. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that a ground operation in Rafah is necessary to maintain pressure on Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
Review of US Weapon Shipments
The US has been reviewing proposed transfers of certain munitions to Israel, including the 2,000-pound bombs, due to the potential impact on civilian areas. This process began in April and culminated in the pause of the recent shipment. The US is also reviewing the transfer of other munitions, such as Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, but these are not expected to be transferred in the near future.
Despite the pause in shipments, the Pentagon reiterated its commitment to Israel’s security. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh stated that the US’s commitment to Israel’s security remains “ironclad,” pointing out that the US has surged security assistance to Israel since the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
The decision to pause the bomb shipment underscores the delicate balance the US is trying to maintain between supporting Israel’s defense needs and addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Further developments in the region will likely influence how the US proceeds with future arms transfers to Israel.
