U.S. warns Israel on Gaza aid amid legal scrutiny
"We, at this time, have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of US law," said U.S. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel on Tuesday. This statement came as the deadline for the ultimatum given by the United States to Israel regarding the improvement of the situation of civilians in the Gaza Strip expired.
Patel referred to a letter sent by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, which warned Israel may face legal "consequences" if it fails to take actions to improve the situation for civilians, according to U.S. law on the export of military equipment to areas violating international humanitarian law.
"We, at this time, have not made an assessment that the Israelis are in violation of US law," said Patel. He noted Israel has opened additional border crossings for humanitarian aid in Gaza. However, he emphasised that the number of aid trucks still does not meet the criteria set in the letter.
Isaac Herzog, during his visit to the White House, praised President Joe Biden's efforts to support Israel and actions taken to de-escalate conflicts in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. He suggested that Iran and its "empire of evil" are the main obstacles to peace, which should be a priority for Biden's efforts.
During the meeting, Joe Biden confirmed his "ironclad" commitment to defend Israel and agreed on the priority of freeing hostages kidnapped by terrorists.
Biden received a carved stone from Jerusalem from the President of Israel with the inscription "Joseph" as a symbolic thank you.
The controversial future of Israel and Palestine
The day before, Antony Blinken met with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, emphasising the necessity of "actual improvement" in Gaza through increased engagement in delivering humanitarian aid and striving for lasting peace based on a two-state solution.
However, the future U.S. ambassador to Israel appointed by Donald Trump on Tuesday, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, is not an advocate of a two-state solution. Huckabee is known for his pro-Israel views and has previously questioned whether Israel's control of Palestinian lands constituted an occupation.
"There are certain words I refuse to use. There is no such thing as a West Bank. It's Judea and Samaria," he said in 2017.
In the statement appointing him as ambassador, he expressed his desire for continuous work towards peace in the Middle East.
