US Affirms Unchanged Israel Policy Following Weapon Sales Report by Reuters

By Kanishka Singh and Steve Holland

WASHINGTON – The White House confirmed on Sunday that there has been no change in its policy towards Israel after reports suggested the United States was contemplating using weapon sales as leverage to encourage Israel to reduce its military actions in Gaza.

An official from the White House National Security Council stated, “Israel has a right and obligation to defend itself against the threat of Hamas, while abiding by international humanitarian law and protecting civilian lives. We remain committed to supporting Israel in its fight against Hamas, as we have since October 7, and will continue to do so. There has not been a change in our policy.”

Earlier reports indicated that at the White House’s direction, the Pentagon has been assessing the types of weaponry requested by Israel that could be utilized as a bargaining tool. Sources stated that no definitive decisions had been made at this time.

The reports also suggested that the U.S. could consider slowing or pausing weapon deliveries to Israel in hopes of prompting actions such as opening humanitarian corridors for increased aid to Palestinian civilians.

In response to the reports, a White House official clarified, “There has been no request from the White House for the Department of Defense to slow down weapons deliveries to Israel, and we are not aware of any request to review weapons deliveries for potential delays.”

Among the types of weapons discussed as potential leverage were 155 mm artillery rounds and joint direct attack munitions, which are kits that convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised significant international concern, particularly due to the heavy death toll. President Joe Biden has previously described Israeli bombing as “indiscriminate,” yet the U.S. has not called for a ceasefire, arguing that such a measure could benefit Hamas, which governs Gaza.

Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7 resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians—a figure that represents more than 1% of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents—according to the health ministry in Gaza. Many casualties are believed to be trapped under the rubble.