U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to release $3.5 billion in military aid to Israel has sparked significant controversy, coming just days before he joined European leaders in calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. The move has raised questions about the consistency of U.S. foreign policy, particularly as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, resulting in massive civilian casualties.
The Biden administration’s release of $3.5 billion in military aid to Israel, part of a larger $14 billion supplemental funding package passed by Congress in April, has been met with widespread criticism. According to a CNN report, the U.S. State Department notified lawmakers that the funds were intended to bolster Israel’s military capabilities as the conflict in Gaza rages on. The funding will allow Israel to procure U.S.-made weapons systems, which are currently being built and expected to be delivered over the next several years.
This significant military support comes at a time when international pressure is mounting for a cease-fire to end the violence that has claimed nearly 40,000 lives in Gaza, according to local officials. Critics argue that by providing such substantial military aid, the U.S. is effectively fueling the conflict, despite public statements supporting peace efforts.
Just days after the military aid was approved, Biden joined leaders from France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom in expressing support for ongoing efforts to de-escalate the situation in Gaza and reach a cease-fire agreement. In a joint statement, Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for all parties to “live up to their responsibilities” and ensure the “unfettered delivery and distribution of aid” to those affected by the conflict.
The leaders also expressed concern over the broader implications of the conflict, particularly the potential for a regional war following Israel’s recent airstrikes in Lebanon and Iran. They specifically addressed the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, warning of the serious consequences for regional security if the situation continues to escalate.
The Biden administration’s decision to release additional military aid to Israel has not gone without criticism. Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, highlighted the contradiction in Western leaders’ statements. He tweeted, “There was a time when Global South countries had to make arguments in favor of a more just, multipolar order. These days, Western leaders make that case better than anyone. Note that this statement makes ZERO mention of Israel, despite it being investigated for a genocide.”
Additionally, Israel faces growing legal challenges on the international stage. A genocide case led by South Africa is currently being pursued against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor has also applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders—though one of them has since been killed. These legal actions underscore the increasing international consensus that Israel’s actions in Gaza may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Assal Rad, a senior research fellow at the National Iranian American Council, referenced a report from The Times of Israel, noting that unnamed Arab officials have warned that a cease-fire and hostage agreement “won’t be possible” unless Biden takes a firmer stance against Netanyahu. The report suggested that the U.S. is the only party with enough leverage to influence Israel but has so far refrained from using its position as Israel’s main security benefactor to push for peace.
Despite these criticisms, the U.S. has continued to provide not only military aid but also diplomatic support to Israel on the world stage. This has led to accusations that the Biden administration is complicit in the ongoing violence and suffering in Gaza, as it prioritizes its strategic alliance with Israel over the protection of human rights.
The United Nations has also condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly the recent strike on the al-Tabin school, which killed scores of Palestinians sheltering from the conflict. A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “The Secretary-General is dismayed to see that the provisions of U.N. Security Council resolution 2735 (2024) remain unimplemented. He welcomes the mediation efforts of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar leaders, and urges both sides to rejoin negotiations and conclude the ceasefire and hostages release deal.”
Guterres reiterated his call for an immediate cease-fire and the unconditional release of all hostages, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access across Gaza. He also underscored that “international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, must be upheld at all times.”
“We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented proportions. The time for action is now—before it’s too late,” warned U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.
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