There have been many US congress members who have spoken out against the Biden administrations attempt to withhold weapons from Israel. The outcry came from both Republicans and Democrats. It was enough for the US to make a couple of revised offers. First, they said they would provide the weapons, but on condition that they would not be used in Rafah (that’s the place from which Hamas launched rockets at Beersheva yesterday). This condition does not jibe with the reason given for holding them back. Advanced weapons allow more precise targeting. Older munitions are less accurate, and therefore more likely to result in collateral damage ( civilian casualties).
Now we’re hearing that the US is asking for restraint in Rafah and will give more intelligence information in return, That seems to me to be saying that the US was purposely not giving Israel some data. What are they holding back? Do they know where the hostages are? Do they know where Sinwar is hiding? Or Nasrallah? It may be perfectly reasonable for some intelligence data not to be given to Israel; but to offer it now in return for a say in how the ID operates? Add to this the fact that Egypt is now holding back humanitarian aid because Israel controls the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing. They were told about IDF actions before they took place, and, didn’t voice any objections. Now they want to place the blame on Israel for Hamas not receiving the aid trucks? Maybe they are just upset because the IDF has uncovered several tunnels used for smuggling things from Egypt to Gaza. Those tunnels are being destroyed. Also the lucrative business of allowing Gazans to leave via the Rafah to Egypt (bribery cost was about $4000 per person) has been shut down.
Wetherhorn 