US Unmoved by UK's Partial Suspension of Arms Export Licenses to Israel

Supporters of Palestine who were optimistic following the United Kingdom's partial suspension of arms export licenses to Israel were met with disappointment on Tuesday. A U.S. State Department official stated that the Biden administration was not contemplating a similar move.

US Stands Firm on Arms Exports to Israel

During a daily press conference, CBS News national security reporter Olivia Gazis questioned whether the UK's decision had altered the US's stance on alleged international humanitarian rights violations by Israel, or if the US was reconsidering its arms exports. The response from the official, identified as Miller, was a firm "no." Miller explained that the UK's decision was based on its own laws and assessments. He added that the US was also conducting ongoing assessments regarding potential violations of international humanitarian law.

US Reviews of Israeli Actions Continue

Miller, who has previously suggested that the death toll in Gaza could be higher than the figures reported by Palestinian authorities, noted that several incidents involving Israeli forces were still under review. When questioned by Reuters foreign policy correspondent Hümeyra Pamuk about the differing conclusions drawn by the US and UK, Miller stated that no final determinations had been made. He emphasized that the US would base its decisions on US law, just as the UK had done with its own law. Miller acknowledged that it was reasonable to assume there had been violations of international humanitarian law. He explained that the US was examining specific incidents to make judgments based on the actions taken by Israel, if any.

US Support for Israel Remains Steadfast

The Biden administration continues to provide Israel with significant armed aid and has defended the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations by vetoing Security Council cease-fire resolutions. Critics argue that this makes the US complicit in what many legal experts and scholars describe as genocide. Israel is currently facing trial for genocide at the International Court of Justice.

International Criminal Court Seeks Arrest Warrants

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. Khan also seeks to arrest Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif for alleged crimes including murder and sexual assault. However, President Biden and his administration have criticized Khan's efforts to arrest Israeli leaders. Members of Congress from both major parties support legislation to sanction ICC officials over the prosecutor's pursuit of warrants.

US Charges Hamas Leaders

On Tuesday, the Department of Justice charged six senior leaders of Hamas, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, with terrorism, murder conspiracy, and sanctions evasion. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel's 333-day assault on Gaza has resulted in over 145,000 Palestinians being killed, injured, or missing. The attack has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million inhabitants and has pushed much of Gaza into famine.

US Policy Towards Israel Remains Unchanged

Despite Israel's increasing international isolation due to the Gaza war, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee, has categorically stated that she will not block any arms transfers to Israel. Former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, is expected to be even more supportive of Israel if he wins a second term.

Bottom Line

The US's unwavering support for Israel, despite the UK's decision to partially suspend arms exports, raises questions about the country's stance on international humanitarian law. It also highlights the complexities of international relations and the differing interpretations of law and justice. What are your thoughts on this matter? Please share this article with your friends and let us know your opinions. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.