'That's a plot twist': Internet divided as Biden administration puts ammunition shipment to Israel on hold over Rafah attack

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Joe Biden's administration has put on hold a shipment of US-produced ammunition to Israel in the first week of May, Axios reported. 

The information was shared with the publication by two Israeli officials and marks the first time that the United States has stopped a weapons shipment intended for the Israeli military since the Hamas attack of October 7, 2023.

Statement from the White House

White House officials have not directly addressed the issue, leaving their Israeli counterparts scrambling for an explanation, shared the sources.

Upon being inquired about the report, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council shared a statement with Fox News which read, "The United States has surged billions of dollars in security assistance to Israel since the October 7 attacks, passed the largest ever supplemental appropriation for emergency assistance to Israel, led an unprecedented coalition to defend Israel against Iranian attacks, and will continue to do what is necessary to ensure Israel can defend itself from the threats it faces."

The situation unfolds at a time when President Biden has been facing strong criticism from Americans who oppose his support of Israel.

Paying heed to the growing calls for accountability, the federal administration had asked Israel in February to provide assurances that the weapons being provided to them were being used by Israel Defense Forces in Gaza in accordance with international law. A signed letter stating the same was received from the ally state in March.

Israel's plans for operation in Rafah

According to Fox, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set on carrying out a military operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Around 1.5 million Palestinians have reportedly taken shelter in the city amid Israel's assault, and it also serves as the last remaining stronghold of Hamas.

President Joe Biden and other Western allies have warned Israel against the plan to invade Rafah as it may result in more civilian deaths and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

The Biden administration further threatened Netanyahu with consequences if he moved forward with the operation without a credible plan to safeguard civilians.

Internet divided as Biden administration puts ammunition shipment to Israel on hold

Netizens were divided in their opinions after it was reported that the US had halted it's ammunition shipment to Israel.

"It’s probably because they are going to tuck a few billion dollars in a few crates," a social media user shared.

"Biden betrays Israel, wants vote of student protesters, Antifa," claimed another.

"May this hold remains till it ceases fire," expressed an individual.

"Well, that's a plot twist. Wonder what the next chapter looks like," wrote another.

"The Biden Administration is a confused mess," commented a fifth.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.