U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew on Tuesday privately told the State Department Israel is following American and international law in its handling of weapons and humanitarian aid in its offensive in Gaza — deepening divisions between senior figures in the Biden administration and other U.S. officials, and aid experts who say Israel’s actions are breaking the law.
Lew made the claim in a diplomatic cable endorsing a letter he received from Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant last week, two U.S. officials who saw the cable told HuffPost. The move comes after multiple lawmakers and human rights groups argued Israel’s barriers on relief for civilians in Gaza put the country and the Biden administration in breach of a statute barring military backing for countries preventing the distribution of U.S. humanitarian aid.
Under pressure from Congress over the heavy toll of his policy of near-total support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, President Joe Biden last month unveiled a new policy requiring all countries receiving American military support to abide by U.S. and international law. For Biden to maintain his backing of Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken must endorse Israel’s commitments to abide by the policy by March 25, a process one U.S. official said Lew’s cable is meant to help advance.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
