The United States is looking into several Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed dozens of civilians, as well as Israel’s possible use of white phosphorus in Lebanon, as part of a State Department investigation into whether America’s closest ally has misused its bombs and missiles to kill civilians, officials told The Wall Street Journal.
The Biden administration has received criticism for continuing to send armaments to Israel as reports mount that American-made weapons were used in attacks that killed or maimed people.
Washington has not yet stated if, in the event that Israel is judged to be at blame, similar instances may lead to limitations on U.S. support or any other action.
A new national security memo signed by President Joe Biden last week mandates that nations who receive security assistance from the United States give guarantees that they would abide by international law and not obstruct aid access during times of crisis.
In accordance with the memorandum, the State and Defense departments must also report to Congress on whether weapons sponsored by the United States have been deployed in a way that violates international law or recognized best practices for preventing harm to civilians.
