Official U.S. government announcements or policy changes

US Warns Israel: Improve Gaza in 30 Days or Face Military Aid Consequences Under US Law

Oct 15, 2024, 02:23 PM

According to multiple reports, including Israel's Channel 12, the United States has warned Israel that it must take steps within 30 days to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza or risk a potential arms embargo and impact on U.S. military aid. 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, urging Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to end the isolation of northern Gaza. The letter indicates that failure to demonstrate a commitment to implementing and sustaining these measures may have legal consequences under U.S. law and implications for U.S. policy under National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20), which governs civilian harm in U.S. military operations. The Biden administration's warning suggests that U.S. military assistance to Israel could be affected if the humanitarian situation does not improve within 30 days.