Israeli Ambassador Rebukes U.S. Lawmakers Over Accusations Regarding Gaza Humanitarian Aid
In a strongly worded letter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States criticized nearly 90 lawmakers for accusing Israel of intentionally withholding humanitarian aid from Gaza’s 2.2 million Palestinians. The letter, addressed to President Joe Biden, was signed by 88 House Democrats, alleging that Israel’s actions violated a law prohibiting the delivery of security assistance to countries restricting humanitarian aid.
Ambassador Michael Herzog vehemently refuted these accusations, stating that Israel has not implemented any policy to withhold humanitarian aid from Gaza during the conflict. He clarified that Israel conducts inspections on trucks carrying goods to prevent the transportation of weapons or explosives, emphasizing that there are four humanitarian crossings from Israel to Gaza.
However, Herzog’s letter did not address why Israel initially closed crossings into Gaza at the start of the conflict or the challenges in reopening some checkpoints despite American pressure. Aid organizations have consistently raised concerns about the limited flow of aid into Gaza due to Israeli restrictions.
The Biden administration is currently assessing whether Israel’s actions during the conflict violated U.S. and international humanitarian law, a determination that could impact future military assistance to Israel. Senior U.S. officials, noting a famine in Gaza exacerbated by the conflict, are urging caution in arms deliveries to Israel.
Herzog concluded the letter by warning against jeopardizing American weapons deliveries to Israel, arguing that such actions could bolster Hamas. The growing criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict, even from centrist Democrats, highlights a widening divide between the U.S. and its Middle Eastern ally. Biden’s decision to halt a shipment of bombs to Israel over concerns about an impending Rafah invasion further strained relations between the two countries. Israeli officials have expressed frustration over the delay in weapons shipments and subsequent leaks to the media, exacerbating tensions between the U.S. and Israel.
