The public comments were Joe Biden’s toughest yet about the potential Israeli military operation.
US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he would not supply offensive weapons that Israel could use to launch an all-out assault on Rafah, the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza, over concern for the wellbeing of the more than one million civilians sheltering there.
Mr Biden, in an interview with CNN, said the US was still committed to Israel’s defence and would supply Iron Dome rocket interceptors and other defensive arms, but that if Israel goes into Rafah, “we’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells used, that have been used”. The interview marked Mr Biden’s toughest public comments yet about the potential Israeli military operation.
It follows his decision to pause a shipment of heavy bombs to Israel last week over concerns that the US ally was moving closer to an attack on Rafah despite public and private warnings from his administration.We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues.
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