The Biden Administration announced on Tuesday that it would not suspend military assistance to Israel, citing some progress in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza despite concerns from aid organizations about worsening conditions. “We at this time have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of US law,” State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said.
Last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued an ultimatum to Israel, setting a 30-day deadline to improve humanitarian access in Gaza or risk a suspension of US military support. The demands included allowing at least 350 trucks of aid per day into Gaza, opening a fifth border crossing, and increasing protection for humanitarian sites.
As the deadline passed, Patel acknowledged that while Israel had taken steps to address the crisis, more action was needed. “We have seen some progress being made; we’d like to see some more changes happen,” he stated. “We are not giving Israel a pass.”
International aid groups, including Oxfam and Save the Children, reported that Israel failed to meet the US criteria and that the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated. According to Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of UNRWA (the UN Relief and Works Agency), an average of just over 30 trucks per day have been allowed into Gaza—far below the US benchmark.
The Israeli government has announced measures such as opening a new crossing in central Gaza and expanding a coastal “humanitarian zone.” However, Israeli officials admit they cannot meet the US demand of 350 aid trucks daily. The United Nations has reported difficulties in delivering aid due to Israeli military restrictions and security concerns.
Internal debates within the State Department have emerged, with some officials arguing that Israel has not taken sufficient steps and advocating for suspending some military assistance. Others believe that the ultimatum prompted positive changes and recommend continued diplomatic pressure. Blinken ultimately decided to maintain military aid while continuing to press Israel for improvements.
On Monday, Blinken met with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to discuss Israel’s actions and future plans. The State Department emphasized “the importance of ensuring those changes lead to an actual improvement in the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.”
President Joe Biden met with Israeli President Isaac Herzog at the White House on Tuesday. Herzog urged the US to focus on reining in Iran and its proxies and called for the return of hostages taken during the Hamas attack that initiated the conflict in October 2023. Biden reaffirmed US support for Israel, describing it as “ironclad.”
The conflict began when Hamas fighters launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 people and abducting around 250. Since then, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities, with more than half being women and children. Approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced.
Despite the humanitarian crisis, the US has continued to provide billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. Aid organizations warn that the situation in Gaza is at its worst since the conflict began, with many areas facing severe shortages of food and medical supplies.
With President-elect Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel during his previous term, set to take office, some speculate that US leverage over Israel may diminish. Netanyahu has confirmed speaking with Trump three times since last week’s election.