In a recent development, the Biden administration has temporarily halted a shipment of bombs to Israel due to concerns that the country may be on the verge of launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, against the wishes of the United States. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin revealed this decision during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense hearing on Wednesday.

The shipment, which was supposed to include 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, has been put on hold by the U.S. government. The focus of concern lies primarily with the larger explosives and their potential utilization in the densely populated urban area of Rafah. Over 1 million civilians have sought refuge in the city after evacuating other parts of Gaza during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Secretary Austin affirmed the weapons delay and emphasized that the United States remains committed to ensuring Israel's defense capabilities. He stated, "We're going to continue to do what's necessary to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself. But that said, we are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of unfolding events in Rafah."

The United States has been a long-standing provider of significant military aid to Israel, a relationship that has been further intensified following the deadly attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. The attack resulted in the loss of approximately 1,200 lives in Israel and the capture of around 250 individuals by the militants.

The decision to pause the aid shipment underscores the growing differences between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government and the Biden administration. President Biden's administration has consistently urged Israel to take greater measures to protect the innocent civilians in Gaza.

As the situation in Rafah continues to evolve, the United States will carefully review its security assistance shipments to Israel. The aim remains to strike a balance between supporting Israel's defense needs while ensuring the safety of civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.