WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday that the United States is still gathering evidence and reviewing allegations that Israel violated U.S. policy and international humanitarian law in the Gaza Strip.
The State Department said in a long-awaited report Friday evening that it is “reasonable to assess” that Israel used U.S.-made weapons in a manner that did not adequately reduce harm to civilians, but that certain incidents met the violation criteria. He said that it is not possible to definitively conclude that
“In many cases, it is reasonable to assess that Israel has not acted in accordance with international humanitarian law,” Blinken said on CBS on Sunday.
The comments were Mr. Blinken’s first public remarks on a report examining the use of U.S. weapons in conflict zones such as Israel and Ukraine.
But it’s the assessment of Israel that has infuriated lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, with Republicans and Democrats claiming President Joe Biden is trying to take both sides on U.S. support for Israel in its war against Hamas. . Biden last week suspended arms shipments to Israel, saying they could be used to attack the heavily populated city of Rafah, resulting in significant civilian casualties.
Congressional Republicans appeared Sunday to accuse Mr. Biden of undermining Israel, particularly with his threat to withhold weapons if it launches a full-scale invasion of Rafah. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), one of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s running mates, said Israelis should be able to “wage” the war against Hamas “as they see fit.” That’s what he said.
Other lawmakers on Sunday also addressed the U.S. position as the Israel-Hamas war escalates.
“In my opinion, Israel should not receive another nickel for the U.S. military,” state Sen. Bernie Bernie said on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” citing civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip. He accused the country of violating international law. .
Senator Lindsey Graham, R.S.C., also of NBC, said Israel was dealing with Hamas’ use of civilians as “human shields.” Graham condemned Sanders’ statement and said the Biden administration should support what he described as Israel’s fight for survival.
“It emboldens Iran. It emboldens Hamas to tell the world that it will limit arms deliveries to the Jewish state, which is fighting a three-front war for survival,” Graham said.
Biden has not commented on the State Department report since its release Friday.
Blinken said Sunday that Biden continues to support Israel’s ability to defend itself, but that the United States is concerned about the slow pace of delivering humanitarian aid and Israel’s use of weapons in its war against Hamas. Ta.
The Secretary of State said on “Meet the Press” that the U.S. cannot determine at this point whether there may be a violation of international law. He noted that the war is still ongoing and “this is an incredibly complex military environment.”
Blinken also said investigations were continuing, including in Israel.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, nearly 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, when Hamas launched a major offensive against Israel, sparking the current war.
