Biden said Wednesday that he was prepared to withhold additional weapons, including artillery shells, from Israel should Israeli forces mount a major ground operation in Rafah. “We’re not walking away from Israel’s security; we’re walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas." The review was a closely held secret because of the political sensitivity of using its most potent leverage over Israel, one certain to infuriate Netanyahu and prompt Republican attacks on Biden, officials said. In withholding arms, Biden opted to only halt a single shipment that was due to be flown to Israel in the coming weeks. But Biden’s decision soon began to leak out from Israeli officials.

Source: Wall Street Journal May 09, 2024 09:25 UTC