Blinken Refuses to Specify ‘Red Line’ on Israel as Biden Considers Suspending Weapon Sales

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has refrained from setting a “red line” that would lead the United States to withdraw its support for Israel, as President Joe Biden threatens to reduce some assistance.

“We do not establish red lines when it comes to Israel,” Mr. Blinken told NBC’s “Meet the Press” with Kristen Welker on May 12.

Israel is gearing up for a ground invasion of Rafah, a densely populated city along the border with Egypt, which has become the last refuge in Gaza for almost 1.5 million civilians who were displaced from other parts of the Gaza Strip.

Various Western leaders, including the Biden administration, have advised Israel against entering the city, fearing it would lead to unacceptable civilian casualties.

Earlier this week, the Biden administration announced a temporary halt to the delivery of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, with President Biden warning of further reductions in U.S. support if Israel proceeds with an invasion into Rafah’s residential areas.

Related Stories

This only applies to offensive weapons, though.

Nevertheless, President Biden affirmed his unwavering commitment to the Jewish people’s safety, Israel’s security, and its right to exist as an independent Jewish state, even amidst disagreements.

“We will ensure that Israel remains secure in terms of Iron Dome and its ability to respond to attacks,” he stated.

Mr. Blinken echoed President Biden’s sentiments.

“President Biden has been the most steadfast defender of Israel in critical moments,” Mr. Blinken said, referencing the president’s early visit to Israel during the conflict and the subsequent military support provided after an Iranian strike targeted Israel.

However, Mr. Blinken expressed deep concerns about the potential harm to civilians in Rafah from a major military operation, emphasizing the need for a credible plan to protect and support them.

He reiterated that the President had made it clear they could not support a significant military operation in Rafah at this time, while still aligning with Israel’s goal to prevent Hamas from governing Gaza and demilitarize the region.

When queried about the conditions for President Biden to follow through on the threat to withhold weapons, Mr. Blinken was noncommittal.

Nevertheless, he pointed to the suspension of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, which some believe are too destructive for use in densely populated Rafah.

“The president’s statement was clear that if Israel conducts a major military operation in Rafah, we would refrain from providing certain systems that could aid their efforts because we do not want to be involved in that,” Mr. Blinken said.

Lawmakers Divided

Lawmakers have diverging opinions on the Biden administration’s warning, mostly along party lines: many Republicans have criticized the move, while some Democrats, particularly progressives, have supported the President’s actions.

Following Mr. Blinken’s appearance on “Meet the Press,” Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) affirmed his backing for the White House’s stance.

“The President is undoubtedly right,” Mr. Sanders asserted.

He even called for the complete cessation of military aid to Israel.

“In reality, I believe any impartial observer recognizes that Israel has violated international and American laws. From my perspective, Israel should not receive another cent in U.S. military aid,” Mr. Sanders stated.

Mr. Sanders notably softened his previous remarks warning that Israel could become “Biden’s Vietnam.”

Republicans, on the other hand, have reacted angrily to the warning from the Biden administration.

During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) accused President Biden of being politically motivated in his decision.

“I’ve always believed that Biden is unfortunately now part of the pro-Hamas wing of his party—all he cares about is winning a presidential election,” Mr. Scott expressed.

Many other Republicans have also accused the administration of reducing its support for Israel as a political maneuver in response to nationwide college protests demanding a ceasefire, suggesting a risk that President Biden may lose significant support from young voters.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) shared a similar sentiment.

“Americans must fully support Israel against an existential threat,” Mr. Graham remarked, dismissing Mr. Sanders’ call for the U.S. to cut all aid to Israel as “the most dangerous, irresponsible statement in the history of U.S. relations” with Israel.

By threatening Israel, Mr. Graham suggested that President Biden is merely “trying to appease the radical left.”

These comments follow a U.S. State Department investigation into allegations of war crimes by Israel, which did not yield a definitive conclusion.

Despite President Biden’s recent statements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute, indicating that Israel plans to proceed with an intervention in Rafah, regardless of the United States’ approval.