Biden's Blind Eye: Former Officials Allege Breach of Legal Limits in Weapons Sales to Israel

In a startling revelation, former officials are accusing the Biden administration of skirting legal boundaries with its weapons sales to Israel, despite expressing concern over civilian casualties in Gaza. President Biden's admission that American arms are contributing to civilian deaths in Gaza has triggered scrutiny over the administration's approach to Israel, especially as the conflict escalates.

The recent evacuation order in Rafah, accompanied by a warning of "extreme force" against militants, prompted Biden to draw a line, stating, "I'm not supplying the weapons if they go into Rafah." However, former officials suggest that such statements contradict the ongoing flow of American weaponry to Israel, ignoring laws designed to prevent their misuse.

While the U.S. has historically been selective in its invocation of international law, the current situation in Gaza has sparked unprecedented criticism from former officials. They argue that the administration's delay in enforcing laws aimed at curbing civilian harm is unacceptable, given mounting evidence of Israeli military actions violating humanitarian standards.

A pending report, mandated by National Security Memorandum-20 (NSM-20), is expected to assess allegations of U.S.-provided weapons being used in violation of international law. However, its release has been delayed, raising concerns about the administration's commitment to accountability.

Independent assessments have highlighted systematic disregard for international humanitarian law by Israel's military, often involving American weaponry. The continued support for Israel without holding it accountable risks endorsing impunity, according to experts.

The Biden administration's swift action to freeze arms transfers to Saudi Arabia following reports of civilian casualties in Yemen stands in stark contrast to its approach to Israel. Former officials recall the decisive policy decision regarding Saudi arms, questioning why a similar stance has not been taken in Gaza.

Critics argue that Washington's reluctance to enforce laws such as the Leahy laws, which demand accountability for human rights violations by foreign military units, undermines its credibility on the global stage. The administration's handling of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, accused of gross human rights violations, has drawn condemnation for its ambiguous approach to accountability.

As the conflict in Gaza persists, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to reconcile its commitment to human rights with its support for Israel. Failure to address allegations of misuse of American weaponry risks tarnishing the U.S.'s reputation and complicating diplomatic relations with other nations.