US President Joe Biden backed Israel’s quest for victory over Hamas following the atrocities of October 7, 2023. Now, he’s giving Hamas and other existential enemies hope for victory, warned Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations.
Erdan doesn’t think Biden has overtly hostile intentions vis-a-vis the Jewish state, but warns that his short-sided decision to delay arms shipments during a time of war will only perpetuate conflict by making Hamas and Hezbollah think they can win.
“I don’t attribute bad intentions to the president, but I think it’s quite clear that any pressure on Israel, any restrictions imposed on Israel, even if they are from close allies who want our best interests, are interpreted by our enemies—and that could be Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah—as something that gives them hope to succeed in their goals,” Erdan told KAN radio on Thursday.
“If Israel is restricted from entering such an important and central area such as Rafah, where thousands of terrorists, hostages and the leaders of Hamas are still present, how exactly is the goal of destroying Hamas supposed to be achieved?” added the ambassador.
Biden told CNN a day earlier that if Israel launched a broad military operation against the last Hamas stronghold in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, he’d withhold the ammunition he thinks Israel needs to complete the mission.
The president’s remarks sparked outrage in Israel, and some accused Biden of explicitly supporting Hamas.
Hamas ❤️Biden
— איתמר בן גביר (@itamarbengvir) May 9, 2024
Israel President Isaac Herzog urged Israeli officials not to lash out publicly against Biden, and insisted that despite this serious disagreement, the current American administration is still a friend to the Jewish state.
“In the context of this morning’s news, it is important for me to say that even when there are disagreements and moments of disappointment between friends and allies, there is a way to clarify the disputes, and it is beholden upon all of us to avoid baseless, irresponsible and insulting statements and tweets that harm the national security and the interests of the State of Israel,” said Herzog.
Can Biden prevent arms shipments to Israel?
There seems to be some confusion over what the Biden White House actually can and can’t do with regard to arms shipments to Israel.
On April 20, the US Congress approved a $14.3 billion military aid package to Israel. Three days later, Biden signed that decision into law. It is now an ironclad commitment, and unconditional.
But, Biden and his administration can temporarily delay the shipment of arms using logistical excuses in order to demonstrate displeasure.
Still, experts stressed that the president cannot legally cancel the aid package or the ultimate transfer of the weapons.
