Biden To Cut Off Arms To Israel?

A coalition of legal professionals, both domestically and internationally, including at least 20 within the Biden administration, is urging President Joe Biden to halt military aid to Israel. They argue that Israel’s actions in Gaza violate both U.S. and international humanitarian laws.

Their plan involves sending a letter presenting their case to Attorney General Merrick Garland and various general counsels across the administration in the coming days. The letter, obtained by POLITICO, asserts that Israel’s actions likely breach U.S. statutes such as the Arms Export Control Act and Leahy Laws, as well as the Geneva Conventions prohibiting disproportionate attacks on civilian populations.

The group behind the letter comprises current attorneys from the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department. While the letter is still gathering signatures, over 90 lawyers have already joined, including those from the departments of Justice, Labor, and Energy, as well as legal professionals from the European Commission and the private sector.

This move reflects growing dissent within the administration regarding its Israel policy, particularly significant as it precedes a May 8 deadline for the White House to certify to Congress that Israel’s military actions with American-supplied weapons comply with U.S. and international law.

Recent reports indicate that some senior U.S. officials expressed doubts to Secretary of State Antony Blinken regarding Israel’s assurances on the lawful use of U.S.-supplied weapons. Additionally, in February, over 800 officials in the U.S. and abroad expressed dissent over their government’s support for Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The lawyers argue that civil servants have a responsibility to offer advice free from undue political influence. They cite examples such as indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza resulting in civilian casualties, attacks on aid convoys, and bombings of schools and hospitals as evidence of violations.

The letter emphasizes that the law aligns with the majority of Americans who support ceasing arms shipments to Israel until it ends its military operations in Gaza. It also calls for the Justice Department to investigate whether any U.S. citizens serving in the Israeli military may have committed war crimes prosecutable under U.S. law.

Both the White House and the Department of Justice have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.

This initiative comes shortly after Congress approved $26.3 billion in additional aid to Israel. A Department of Justice staffer who signed the letter, speaking anonymously to avoid risking their job, commented that the administration might perceive only limited dissent, but there is indeed significant discontent and dissent among the rank and file.