Concerns Raised in State Department Over Israel's Use of US Weapons
Certain officials within the US State Department have expressed doubts regarding Israel's claims about the proper use of US-provided weapons in compliance with international law, citing credibility issues. These concerns were highlighted during discussions on Sunday by a department official.
The State Department is currently split on the issue of whether Israel is using American-provided weapons in compliance with international law. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is facing a deadline next week to provide a determination to Congress.
According to a department official, there is a lack of consensus on whether to trust Israel's assurances as "credible and reliable." These assurances were mandated by President Joe Biden in a national security memorandum back in February.
All countries receiving US weapons must promise to use them in accordance with international and domestic laws, including humanitarian and human rights laws.
Blinken is required to inform Congress by May 8 if he has confirmed the credibility and reliability of these promises.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the 2023 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices during a briefing at the State Department in Washington on Monday, April 22, 2024. 
Susan Walsh/AP
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Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel and other important Middle Eastern countries as negotiations for hostages and ceasefires remain at a standstill.
Human rights organizations have criticized Israel for alleged war crimes and violations during the conflict in Gaza. Many officials from Western nations, including the US, have expressed worries that their countries could be involved in war crimes by supporting Israel in its battle against Hamas.
The State Department official did not provide additional information on which departments support accepting Israel's assurances, which oppose them, and which remain neutral.
According to Reuters, four bureaus within the State Department expressed significant concerns regarding non-compliance with international humanitarian law during the war. These bureaus include Democracy, Human Rights and Labor; Population, Refugees and Migration; Global Criminal Justice; and International Organization Affairs.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that they do not comment on leaked documents, especially those claiming to have classified information.
He further explained that the Secretary usually receives a variety of opinions from within the Department on complex matters, and he carefully considers all of them. In this case, the Department has received the necessary assurances outlined in the National Security Memorandum, and they are currently working on a report to be presented to Congress.
The concerns arise after President Biden approved a $26 billion aid package for Israel. This funding includes $4.4 billion to replace defense items and services provided to Israel, as well as $3.5 billion for the acquisition of advanced weapons systems and other items through the Foreign Military Financing Program.
Following Hamas' attack on Israel in October, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, the US has conducted over 100 foreign military sales to Israel. The conflict has led to the loss of more than 34,000 lives in Gaza since the war began, as reported by Gaza's Ministry of Health.
Progressives are becoming increasingly frustrated with Biden's support for Israel, especially as protests over the crisis in Gaza are spreading across the US. These protests are particularly prominent on college campuses, where demonstrators have criticized President Biden with the nickname "Genocide Joe." Despite this, the president reiterated his strong commitment to Israel during a phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
If the US determines that Israel is hindering aid to Gaza and not following human rights laws, the White House has the option to slow down military support, reduce financial assistance, or escalate public pressure on Netanyahu.
Biden has always been a strong supporter of Israel in their conflict, but there have been moments when his support has wavered. Recently, after an Israeli strike resulted in the deaths of seven World Central Kitchen workers, Biden warned Netanyahu for the first time. He told Netanyahu that if Israel did not take immediate steps to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, the US might have to reconsider its unwavering support.
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
Reuters
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The State Department's recent annual report on human rights highlighted serious concerns about alleged war crimes in the conflict between Hamas and Israel. The report specifically mentioned actions taken by Hamas on October 7, as well as disturbing accounts of torture, cruel treatment, and forced disappearances of Palestinian detainees in prison facilities.
Although the report does not reflect the official stance of the US government, Secretary of State Blinken stated that the State Department is actively investigating the incidents.
He emphasized the importance of taking the time to gather facts, information, and do thorough analysis. According to him, it can be quite challenging to do this in real-time.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin mentioned during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that as far as he knows, there is no evidence to suggest that Israel committed genocide during its conflict in Gaza.
Blinken has previously called charges of genocide against Israel “meritless.”
CNN’s Michael Conte, Kayla Tausche and MJ Lee contributed to this report.
Editor's P/S:
The State Department's struggle to determine whether Israel is using American-provided weapons in compliance with international law highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of US foreign policy. On the one hand, the US has a long history of supporting Israel and providing it with military aid. On the other hand, the US is also committed to upholding international law and human rights.
The State Department's internal divisions on this issue reflect the broader debate in the US about the proper balance between these two commitments. Some argue that the US should continue to support Israel regardless of its actions, while others believe that the US should hold Israel accountable for any violations of international law. The Biden administration is facing increasing pressure from both sides of this debate, and it remains to be seen how it will ultimately resolve this issue.
