Senate Dem says blocking weapons shipments ‘on the table’ if Israel invades Rafah

In the wake of potential Israeli plans for a large-scale invasion of Rafah, a key Democratic Senator has asserted that the United States might consider blocking arms shipments to Israel. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) emphasized that this option is indeed under consideration if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proceeds with his intentions to launch such an invasion. These statements come amidst mounting pressure from within the Democratic Party for President Joe Biden to adopt a more assertive stance in addressing the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu’s recent declaration of his intent to proceed with a Rafah invasion, despite warnings from President Biden, has intensified these calls for action.

Van Hollen stressed the importance of holding President Biden accountable for his declarations, particularly when he draws “red lines.” He argued that accountability structures are essential to ensure that presidential statements carry weight and meaning. This sentiment underscores concerns that failure to follow through on warnings to Israel could undermine the credibility of U.S. foreign policy.

The Senator clarified that any potential action to block weapons shipments would not apply to defensive systems like the Iron Dome, which the U.S. provides to Israel. Instead, it would likely target offensive weaponry.

One of the primary concerns driving these discussions is the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The region, home to 2.2 million Palestinians, is grappling with severe shortages of essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and shelter. The situation has been exacerbated by the displacement of approximately one million Palestinians to Rafah, seeking refuge from Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Hamas following the October 7th attack.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been actively engaging with Israel, urging the country to develop a comprehensive plan to protect civilians in the event of a Rafah invasion. Despite these efforts, Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his intentions to proceed with military action.

To address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, President Biden has directed the U.S. military to establish a temporary port to facilitate the delivery of aid to the enclave. Additionally, pressure is being exerted on Israel to ease restrictions on the entry of supplies via land routes.

These developments coincide with a letter sent by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and co-signed by several Democratic Senators, including Van Hollen. The letter, addressed to President Biden, argues that continuing to arm Israel could violate the Foreign Assistance Act, which prohibits military support to countries that impede humanitarian aid delivery. Sanders emphasized the urgency of enforcing this law in light of Israel’s actions, which he believes have contributed to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Echoing these sentiments, Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) emphasized the need for the U.S. to condition its aid to Israel on compliance with human rights standards. While acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself, Schatz stressed that this should not extend to actions that violate fundamental humanitarian principles.

The mechanics of blocking arms shipments to Israel remain unclear, but Senators have a range of tools at their disposal. Under the Arms Export Control Act, lawmakers can file joint resolutions of disapproval to block arms sales, which would then be subject to a vote. However, it is worth noting that this mechanism has never successfully prevented an arms sale in the past.

President Biden has reiterated his stance that any Israeli operation in Rafah must prioritize the protection of civilians. However, he has also reaffirmed the U.S.’s commitment to continue providing defensive support to Israel, particularly through systems like the Iron Dome.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza are ongoing. The U.S. is engaged in diplomatic negotiations with Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and Hamas, with a focus on securing the release of prisoners and hostages, as well as implementing a six-week ceasefire.

In conclusion, the potential blocking of arms shipments to Israel represents a significant escalation in U.S. involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict. It reflects growing concerns within the Democratic Party about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need to hold Israel accountable for its actions. However, the feasibility and effectiveness of such action remain uncertain, highlighting the complexities of addressing the conflict and the challenges of navigating U.S. foreign policy in the region.