In a recent development, the Biden administration has reportedly delayed the sale of 6,500 "smart bombs" to Israel, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The decision marks the second time in recent months that the sale of precision weapons to Israel has been held up by the U.S. government.

While the White House has neither confirmed nor denied the move, the timing of the decision suggests that it is part of a strategy to pressure Israel in its Rafah operation. The sale in question pertains to the supply of 6,500 kits designed to transform ordinary bombs into precision weapons using satellite guidance.

Israel's ground operations in Rafah have been a cause for concern, prompting the Biden administration to put a hold on the sale. On Monday morning, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders to residents of eastern Rafah, signaling their intent to press ahead with their movements into the last Hamas stronghold in the southern part of the enclave.

U.S. officials have described the current status of the incursion as "limited" and emphasized that it is not the broad ground offensive that Israel had previously threatened to launch. Nevertheless, the delay in the sale of precision weapons sends a strong message to Israel to reconsider its approach and avoid rushing into a full-scale ground operation.

Tuesday morning brought news that the IDF had taken full control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. With tensions escalating in the region, the delayed sale of precision weapons underscores the Biden administration's efforts to exert pressure on Israel and contribute to deescalation.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the exact implications of the delayed weapon sale remain unclear. However, this move by the Biden administration demonstrates its active involvement in seeking a peaceful resolution and encouraging all parties to exercise restraint in the midst of the ongoing violence.

It remains to be seen how this delay will impact the dynamics of the conflict and whether it will prompt a reevaluation of Israel's military strategy. As the situation in Gaza unfolds, the international community watches closely as efforts to deescalate tensions and protect civilian lives become increasingly crucial.