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The United States has acknowledged an uptick in Israeli military activity in the southern Gaza city of Rafah but has been careful not to suggest that Israeli forces have crossed any red lines set by President Joe Biden. Despite international condemnation of Israeli strikes that hit displaced families sheltering in tents, the Biden administration maintains that Israel has kept its attacks more limited and targeted than in previous offensives.
Critics argue that Biden, facing pressure from Republicans and voters, has refrained from challenging Israel too forcefully during an election year. Administration officials have been accused of moving the goalposts when it comes to defining the Rafah operation, playing with semantics to avoid confrontation.
While Biden initially stated that offensive weapons would not be supplied if Israel launched an all-out assault on Rafah, the administration has backed down from threats and warnings as the situation has evolved. The US is now focusing on urging Hamas to accept Israeli proposals for a cease-fire and hostage release, while humanitarian conditions worsen in Gaza.
Despite the political pressure, the US government must consider what actions it will take to bring about a shift in the situation on the ground in Gaza. Critics, including former State Department officials, note changes in the administration’s public comments toward Israel and stress the importance of tangible policies to address the crisis in Gaza.
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