The White House disclosed that the United States has shared a new national security memorandum with Israel, emphasizing adherence to international law for nations receiving U.S. weaponry.
This memorandum serves as an administration policy statement, disseminated on Thursday to senior Cabinet officials overseeing national security to ensure compliance.
While not imposing additional usage conditions for U.S. military equipment, the memorandum mandates an annual report to Congress assessing recipient countries’ adherence to these requirements.
Amidst ongoing violence in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Palestinian health officials reported nearly 28,000 fatalities since the conflict’s eruption on Oct. 7, with Israel attributing 1,200 casualties to a Hamas attack.
The U.S. annually provides $3.8 billion in military aid to Israel, sparking criticism from leftist Democrats and Arab American groups, who argue that unwavering U.S. support fosters a sense of impunity for Israel’s actions.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that U.S. officials briefed Israeli counterparts on the memorandum, reiterating their commitment to offering such assurances.
Additionally, other nations utilizing U.S. weaponry were notified, although specifics were not disclosed by a U.S. official. Jean-Pierre clarified that the memorandum, crafted after consultations with lawmakers, does not introduce novel standards for military aid but publicly underscores existing obligations under international law, including laws governing armed conflict.
One notable aspect of the memorandum emphasizes the necessity for recipients of U.S. military aid to uphold their international legal obligations and mitigate civilian harm.
The Israel-Hamas conflict operates within the framework of international justice established since World War II, emphasizing the protection of civilians even in situations of self-defense claims by participating states.
Amidst domestic criticism from Arab American groups urging a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, President Joe Biden’s administration engaged with Arab American leaders in Michigan to address concerns regarding U.S. policy in the region.