In a surprising move, the Biden administration recently put a halt to a shipment of US-made ammunition destined for Israel, leaving the Israeli government puzzled over the decision. This marks the first time since the deadly terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 that the United States has stopped a weapons shipment to its longstanding Middle East ally, according to sources familiar with the matter.

According to Axios, two Israeli officials expressed confusion over the decision to withhold the ammo delivery. However, a statement from a spokesperson of the White House National Security Council clarified that the administration has been supportive of Israel since the assault, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis.

The United States has provided substantial aid to Israel, with billions of dollars in security assistance and passing the largest ever supplemental appropriation for emergency aid. Additionally, the US has formed an unprecedented coalition to defend Israel against Iranian attacks and has vowed to continue supporting Israel's ability to defend itself from threats.

Axios reported that neither the Pentagon, the state department, nor the Israeli Prime Minister's Office have responded to questions about the shipment halt at this time.

The decision from the Biden administration comes amidst growing concerns among US officials about the possible invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Since the beginning of the war, Rafah has accommodated over 1.5 million Palestinian refugees and has become one of Hamas' last strongholds, according to Fox News.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his intentions to move into Rafah, regardless of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas or the release of remaining hostages seized during the October assault. However, Western officials, including President Biden, are deeply worried that a ground invasion could result in high civilian casualties, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

Moreover, there might be consequences for Israel if it proceeds with the invasion without a clear plan to ensure the safety of civilians.

In the midst of these developments, President Biden is facing strong opposition from college students across the nation. Many of these students have staged sit-ins and set up encampments to protest the United States' involvement in the ongoing war.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the withheld shipment of US ammunition adds another layer of complexity to the already tense relationship between the Biden administration and Israeli government. The future trajectory of this decision remains uncertain, as both nations navigate the challenges of maintaining stability while addressing the escalating crisis.