U.S. Warns Israel Over Gaza; Netanyahu Says Decisions Will Be Based on National Interests

Washington : The United States has sent a letter to Israel warning of a potential reduction in military aid concerning Gaza. The letter cautions that if Israel does not increase the flow of humanitarian supplies in Gaza within the next 30 days, it may lose military assistance. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement on Tuesday, indicating that while Israel does not disregard the opinions of the United States, final decisions will be made based on its national interests. The letter was sent on Sunday to Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, signed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

According to a report by The New York Times, U.S. law prohibits military aid to any country found to be obstructing humanitarian supplies provided by the U.S. Nevertheless, the U.S. continues to provide military assistance to Israel, including a recent deployment of an advanced air defense system along with 100 soldiers. U.S. and international officials have warned in recent weeks that conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, are deteriorating. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed the sending of the letter during a press conference in Washington on Tuesday, stating that humanitarian aid has declined by over 50% in recent months.

The New York Times report, citing unnamed diplomatic officials, indicated that Israel's next attacks are likely to focus on Iranian military sites. The Biden administration believes that if Israel attacks oil or uranium enrichment sites, it could dramatically escalate hostilities in the Middle East. According to Israeli officials, even if the IDF avoids Iranian nuclear and oil sites, it could still target Iranian missile launchers, storage depots, missile and drone manufacturing factories, military bases, and government buildings.

Iran's Quds Force Deputy Commander General Ali Fadavi stated on Tuesday during the funeral of a general killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that Iran will not remain silent. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem said that attacks would be launched within Israel. Qassem noted that only a ceasefire could prevent such attacks, and it would allow approximately 60,000 displaced Israelis to return to their homes near the Lebanese border.