Biden Administration Confirms Continued Arms Support to Israel Amid Gaza Conditions

The Biden administration has confirmed it will not withhold arms from Israel, following recent humanitarian improvements in Gaza reported by the State Department. This decision comes a month after the White House issued a notice to Israel, urging improvements in Palestinian humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip or face potential limitations on arms transfers. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated that Israel had taken steps to address these concerns, with a recent aid package to Gaza serving as part of these efforts.

In a press briefing, Vedant Patel, the State Department’s principal deputy spokesperson, clarified that while Israel must continue to enhance Gaza’s humanitarian conditions, no violations of U.S. law have been identified that would trigger an arms embargo. “We at this time have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of U.S. law,” Patel stated, emphasizing that additional measures should be implemented by Israel to ensure lasting improvements in Gaza.

Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ “ironclad” commitment to Israel, a sentiment echoed by President Joe Biden during his meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House. Biden reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Israel alliance, stating that the two countries share “a deep friendship.”

On the diplomatic front, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer engaged in discussions with U.S. officials, including President-elect Donald Trump and former advisor Jared Kushner, at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate. The conversations covered Israel’s strategic approach in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as ongoing security challenges related to Iran’s regional influence.

As the U.S. maintains its military support for Israel, the Biden administration’s dual focus on humanitarian improvements and a steadfast alliance highlights the complexities of balancing security concerns with humanitarian commitments in the region.

Stay informed on U.S.-Israel relations subscribe to our newsletter for updates or share this story.