Biden Admin’s $2 Billion Weapons Shipment to Israel Under Fire: Accountability in the Midst of Conflict.

President Biden has criticized Israel for not protecting the lives of civilians in their military offensive in Gaza, but his administration continues to secretly authorize the delivery of weapons to that nation. Despite expressing concern about the upcoming military offensive in Rafah, which threatens the lives of Palestinian civilians, the US avoided vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. In retaliation, Israel canceled a trip by advisors to Washington.

The weekend’s revelation that the Biden administration authorized the shipment of thousands of bombs and 25 F-35A fighter jets to Israel has sparked criticism over the US’s role in the conflict and its responsibility to protect civilians. The transfer was approved in 2008, allowing the State Department to bypass notifying Congress. The bombs being delivered are not guided by precision systems, but Israel has previously used JDAM systems provided by the US to convert them into precision bombs.

Democratic allies of Biden have called for assurances from Israel to limit civilian casualties before approving the shipment of more weapons. However, concerns about civilian casualties have grown as more weapons are delivered to Israel amidst ongoing clashes with Hamas. The war in Gaza began in 2023, with Hamas attacking Israel and Israel responding with a promise to annihilate the Islamist group. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with most being women and children.

The delivery of weapons to Israel, including F-35 fighter jets, raises questions about how these weapons will be used and what impact they will have on civilians caught up in crossfire. Lockheed Martin’s F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft designed for various missions with advanced sensors. It is highly advanced and versatile but also raises concerns about its potential use in situations where civilian casualties may occur.

As tensions continue between Israel and Palestine, calls for accountability and protection of civilian lives are growing louder. While some see these weapons as necessary for self-defense, others argue that they only perpetuate violence and increase risks for innocent people caught up in crossfire.

Overall, President Biden’s decision to authorize these arms shipments without public knowledge or debate highlights larger issues surrounding accountability and transparency when it comes to foreign policy decisions involving military sales and arms transfers.

In conclusion, President Biden’s decision to supply weapons to Israel amidst ongoing conflicts with Palestine is a contentious issue that raises concerns about human rights violations against innocent civilians caught up in crossfire. As tensions rise between nations involved in this conflict zone, there is an urgent need for peace negotiations and diplomatic solutions that prioritize protecting human life above all else.