President Biden’s recent strong language in response to the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza has raised questions about whether he will put conditions on the weapons sent to Israel. The White House has been silent on whether Biden’s anger will lead to a breaking point with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with whom interactions have been tense.
Despite the lack of public statements on potential consequences, Biden has made it clear that launching a bombing campaign on the city of Rafah would cross a “red line.” The recent attack on the aid workers has further highlighted the need for Israel to do more to protect humanitarian workers.
Senator Chris Van Hollen has been pushing for months to place conditions on the arms supplied to Israel, emphasizing the need for assurances before sending weapons. While conditions on arms usage are common, Israel has historically been an exception.
Biden’s defense secretary, Lloyd J. Austin III, expressed outrage at the recent strike and emphasized the need for concrete steps to protect aid workers and civilians in Gaza. The U.S. has urged Israel to have a comprehensive plan for evacuating refugees in the Rafah region.
Despite the strong language and expressions of frustration, Biden has stopped short of openly breaking with Netanyahu. Critics have noted that Biden’s most visceral expression of anger came over the killing of foreign aid workers, rather than the deaths of Palestinian civilians that preceded them.
The attack on the aid workers has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for Israel to take steps to protect civilians. While some doubt that this incident will lead to a shift in Biden’s approach, others believe it could increase pressure on aid deliverers and worsen the humanitarian distress in the region.
