Israel Tightens Grip on Rafah Border Crossing, U.S. Delays Bomb Shipments

Israeli tanks have rolled into Rafah as ground forces took control of the border crossing with Egypt, prompting the Biden administration to suspend deliveries of precision bombs.

The Biden administration has halted shipments of two types of precision bombs to Israel amid concerns over a potential Israeli ground operation in Rafah, a densely populated area at the Gaza-Egypt border.

According to a U.S. official, the administration has placed a hold on a shipment of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs that could potentially be used in Rafah.

The U.S. position is that Israel should refrain from launching a major ground operation in Rafah, where over a million civilians reside without alternative shelter. The Biden administration has engaged in discussions with Israel to address humanitarian concerns and explore alternative approaches to combating Hamas in the area.

The U.S. official emphasized that the review of proposed weapons transfers to Israel began in April, with a particular focus on the end-use of 2,000-pound bombs due to their potential impact in densely populated urban settings.

A final decision regarding the shipment of these bombs has not yet been made. However, the administration is continuing to review other cases, including Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits.

The official stressed that the shipment delays are not related to the recent Israel supplemental appropriations. The funding for these shipments was appropriated previously, and the administration remains committed to providing Israel with the approved funds.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have gained operational control of the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing after initiating a "precise counterterrorism operation" in eastern Rafah. The operation aims to neutralize Hamas terrorists and dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

The Rafah operation has raised concerns among international organizations due to the high civilian population density in the area. Residents have been seeking respite and humanitarian assistance amidst the clashes.

The Red Cross has reported that the Rafah hospital is struggling to cope with the influx of wounded, while the United Nations has called for the protection of civilians and the provision of safe passage for those seeking shelter.

The Biden administration's suspension of bomb shipments has raised questions about the nature of its security assistance to Israel and the potential impact on U.S.-Israel relations.

Some analysts believe that the suspension reflects a change in U.S. policy towards Israel, while others argue that it is a temporary measure to address specific concerns over the Rafah operation.

The U.S. and Israel continue to engage in dialogue and review the situation in Rafah. The Biden administration is exploring alternative ways to address terrorist threats while minimizing civilian harm.

The ultimate outcome of the discussions and the fate of the suspended bomb shipments remain uncertain, with implications for the course of the conflict in Gaza and the broader U.S.-Israel partnership.