U.S. Threatens Arms Embargo on Israel Over Gaza Crisis, Demands Action in 30 Days

Oct 15, 2024, 02:30 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reportedly sent a letter on Monday to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer demanding that Israel take urgent steps within 30 days to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, or risk affecting U.S. military aid under American laws governing foreign military assistance, including implications under NSM-20 policy. According to Israel's Channel 12, the letter is the strongest known written warning from the Biden administration, indicating that prior dialogues on civilian harm incidents have been ineffective. Failure to address the dire conditions in Gaza could lead to an arms embargo against Israel. The U.S. is intensifying pressure on Israel to increase aid supplies amid growing international concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian situation.