The USA is demanding better conditions in the Gaza Strip and is now issuing a warning. At the same time, they are sending new weapons to Israel. How does that fit together?
The US government has called on Israel to noticeably improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip within 30 days. Otherwise there is a risk of violating US laws on military support – which could also potentially jeopardize American military aid to Israel.
The US State Department confirmed corresponding media reports in Washington, but did not want to directly answer a question about the concrete consequences if Israel did not comply with the request. It’s not “about any threats,” said spokesman Matthew Miller, but about “results” for the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The letter sent on Sunday by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was addressed to Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.
In the letter, Blinken and Austin express “deep concern” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and call for “urgent and sustained action” from the Israeli government. According to the letter, the volume of aid deliveries has fallen by more than 50 percent since the spring.
US missile defense system in Israel soon ready for use
At the same time, the USA increased its military support. The Defense Ministry said that the first components of the THAAD missile defense system and US military personnel arrived in Israel on Monday.
This dual strategy illustrates the US government’s balancing act: On the one hand, Washington repeatedly emphasizes its security policy commitment and Israel’s right to self-defense. Israel receives extensive military and intelligence support. On the other hand, the US government is under domestic political pressure. Opponents of the war sharply criticize Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip and are calling for a stop to US arms deliveries to the country.
Critics doubt whether human rights will be respected
The so-called “Leahy” law plays a central role in this. It prohibits the United States from providing military assistance to forces involved in serious human rights abuses. Critics accuse Israel of not complying with this requirement. According to human rights organizations, basic human rights standards are being violated by the blockade of aid deliveries, air strikes on residential areas and the lack of protection for civilians in the Gaza Strip. Israel rejects these allegations and emphasizes that its operations comply with international law.
The debate over the US’s course towards Israel is also gaining importance in the run-up to the presidential election on November 5th. The deadline set by Blinken and Austin in their letter is after Election Day.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
