The Biden administration has temporarily halted a shipment of US-made ammunition to Israel, as reported by a source familiar with the matter. However, the reason behind this decision remains undisclosed. Importantly, the hold on the shipment is unrelated to any potential Israeli operation in Rafah, and it’s clarified that other shipments are unaffected by this pause.
In response to inquiries about the paused shipment, a spokesperson from the National Security Council emphasized the ongoing commitment of the United States to provide security assistance to Israel. The spokesperson highlighted significant efforts, including the provision of billions of dollars in security assistance since the October 7 attacks, the passing of the largest-ever supplemental appropriation for emergency aid to Israel, leading a coalition to defend Israel against Iranian threats, and a continued dedication to ensuring Israel’s ability to defend itself against the various challenges it faces.
US officials have reiterated that there is no change in policy towards Israel. Additionally, last month, Biden signed a foreign aid bill that included $26 billion for the Israel-Hamas conflict, comprising $15 billion in Israeli military aid, $9 billion in humanitarian aid for Gaza, and $2.4 billion for regional US military operations.
CIA Director Bill Burns, who had participated in ceasefire negotiations in Cairo over the weekend, proceeded to Doha for a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. Despite earlier intentions to visit Israel, a source familiar with his agenda confirmed that he will stay in Doha on Monday.
Burns has played a crucial role as a key intermediary for the United States in the multiparty negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, Egypt, and Qatar. These talks focus on securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, potentially in conjunction with a temporary ceasefire agreement.