In a recent exclusive interview with CNN's Erin Burnett, President Joe Biden expressed his willingness to halt shipments of American weapons to Israel if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah. Biden acknowledged that American weapons have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, particularly referring to the use of 2,000-pound bombs, which prompted him to pause their shipments last week.

The announcement marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as Biden's acknowledgement of the United States' role in the war acknowledges the need for accountability. The president faced increasing pressure, including from members of his own party, to limit arms shipments, especially amidst a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While Biden has been a staunch supporter of Israel's efforts to combat Hamas, a potential invasion of Rafah, where over a million Palestinian civilians have sought shelter, has led him to reconsider his stance.

Biden clarified that the United States will continue to provide defensive weapons to Israel, such as the Iron Dome air defense system, to ensure its security. However, if a major ground invasion of Rafah were to occur, Biden stated that he would not supply the historical weapons used in dealing with such situations. The administration has already paused a shipment of "high-payload munitions" in light of Israel's potential operations in Rafah, pending a final decision.

Israeli officials have privately expressed frustration over the shipping pause and the US media's briefings on the matter. Biden's public statement linking American weapon shipments to Israel's conduct could potentially strain his relationship with Netanyahu, with whom he spoke recently. At present, Israel's actions in Rafah have not yet crossed the line of entering heavily populated zones, although tensions in the region have escalated.

The conflict in the Middle East has consumed much of Biden's time, even as he strives to promote his domestic agenda. During the interview, Biden aimed to shift perceptions about the American economy, emphasizing strong job growth and efforts to combat corporate greed. Despite polls showing voter pessimism about the country's overall direction, Biden highlighted favorable views of individuals' economic situations and his administration's record on job creation post-Covid-19.

Nevertheless, Biden acknowledged that concerns remain, particularly regarding the cost of goods and housing. He assured that efforts are underway to address these issues and emphasized that the US has the strongest economy in the world. The President has been actively promoting his economic accomplishments, including recent investments made possible by infrastructure and manufacturing legislation.

While surveys have indicated that Biden has not received significant credit for his economic record, he continues to work towards improving the situation and addressing the concerns of the American people. As the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain, Biden's stance on weapon shipments to Israel signals a potential shift in US policy and a recognition of the need for restraint in the ongoing conflict.