What’s new:
US President Joe Biden has mandated stronger accountability for countries receiving American military aid. They are now required to furnish written evidence confirming adherence to international laws, including human rights statutes.
Why it matters:
This move indicates a significant change in US foreign policy: scrutinizing allies, namely Israel, for their military actions and ensuring compliance with global humanitarian standards. This requirement aligns with ongoing advocacy by US lawmakers pushing for conditional military aid.
What’s in the memo:
According to Biden’s memorandum, countries must submit their assurances within 180 days, though those actively engaged in conflict, like Israel, are given a shorter time frame of 45 days. The objective is not only to reaffirm commitment to human rights but also to work in collaboration to minimize and address civilian casualties through appropriate training and aid.
Function of the memo:
It demands that allies like Israel certify compliance with international statutes as a precondition for receiving military assistance. Significantly, the policy calls for periodic reports assessing adherence, something not previously required.
The backstory:
Although no country was expressly named, the memorandum emerges amidst intensifying debates on proper utilization of American military assistance in Israel’s ongoing armed engagements, particularly in Gaza following tragic events caused by Hamas terrorist actions.
Responses to the policy:
While the White House Press Secretary linked the measures to Congress’s dialogs on military aid and its use in civilian settings, pro-Israel advocates have criticized the directive. AIPAC, for example, contests the necessity of the new policy given the complicated reality Israel faces daily surrounded by hostile forces.
Implications on Israel:
Pressure mounts on Israel given the stringent 45-day deadline to provide required assurances. The backdrop is a wider disapproval from the White House over civilian casualties incurred underlying the recent conflict in Gaza.
What the administration is signaling:
Despite traditional support, the Biden administration appears to be adopting a tougher stance towards Israel’s tactical operations, drawing upon the controversial perception of the Israeli military responses in Gaza.
Strained relations:
Notable disconcert among government ranks is contributing to a fraught political ecosystem, particularly after incidents initiated by Gaza ranging from accusative international commentaries to the American government’s open displeasure.
A look at the figures:
While statistics of casualties and terrorist eliminations are released by both the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza and the IDF, those numbers differ widely due to inclusion criteria, making independent verification complex.
Going forward:
The latest developments in American foreign diplomacy subtend evolving stipulations conditioning integral allied interactions, military engagement, and funding dealings – with Israel at the pivot point of these global discourse adjustments.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.