The Biden administration stated on Friday that it is “reasonable to assess” that U.S. weapons may have been utilized by Israeli forces in Gaza in a manner inconsistent with international humanitarian law, yet refrained from officially declaring Israel in violation of the law.
The State Department's report, covering the period from the onset of the conflict with Hamas on October 7 to late April, indicates ongoing investigations into potential violations. However, complete information to confirm whether U.S. weapons were specifically employed in alleged breaches of international humanitarian law is lacking.
Notably, the report did not find Israel culpable of withholding humanitarian aid to Gaza in contravention of U.S. law. This report, transmitted to Capitol Hill on Friday afternoon, fulfills a requirement stemming from a February national security memorandum issued by Joe Biden, under pressure from Democratic lawmakers.
While the report, the first time the government was officially tasked to assess Israel’s conduct, does not conclude Israel violated the terms of the memorandum, it is critical of the toll exacted by Israel's military campaign. This development adds to recent tensions in U.S.-Israeli relations, particularly as Biden warned of potential restrictions on weapons transfers if Israel proceeds with a significant offensive in Rafah.
