Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has emphasized that the Republican conference holds the power to select the Speaker, and until then, the United States cannot provide assistance to Israel. The Pentagon has confirmed that the weapons sent to Israel for defense against Hamas attacks were sent without any preconditions, unlike those sent to Ukraine.
During a recent press briefing, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh was questioned by reporters about whether the weapons sent to Israel came with any preconditions. Singh stated that no preconditions were imposed on Israel regarding the use of the provided security assistance. She reiterated that the United States expects Israel, being a democracy, to uphold the law of war, which distinguishes them from organizations like Hamas.
Singh’s remarks came after a Hamas-controlled hospital in the Gaza Strip was hit by an airstrike, which was later determined by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to be a misfired missile from a barrage connected to Islamic Jihad. Lebanese protesters also gathered near the U.S. Embassy in Beirut in response to the incident.
The first shipment of U.S. armaments arrived in Israel last week, containing munitions that are intended to support significant military operations and enhance preparedness for various scenarios. However, specific details about the types of weapons or military equipment received have not been disclosed.
Singh was further questioned about potential U.S. involvement in war crimes against civilians due to the attack on the hospital. She firmly stated that the United States did not impose any preconditions on Israel and expects them, like any ally or partner, to uphold the law of war.
Another reporter pointed out Israel’s history of targeting and killing civilians and suggested implementing end-use monitoring systems to track the weapons, similar to what is done in countries like Ukraine. Singh expressed confidence in the discussions held with Israeli officials and reiterated that preconditions were not imposed on Israel solely because it is a democracy. She emphasized the importance of Israel upholding the law of war.
Singh highlighted the differences between the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, explaining that conditions were placed on Ukraine, particularly regarding cluster munitions. Ukrainian officials are required to provide information on the usage and targets of these munitions. Singh commended Ukraine’s responsible approach in tracking the munitions to ensure the safety of civilians.
Regarding Israel, Singh emphasized that they are one of the United States’ oldest and longest-standing partners in the region. She acknowledged the gravity of the recent attack, considering it as their equivalent to the 9/11 incident. Singh stated that Israel has the right to respond to the terrorists who killed innocent people. However, she also noted that the attack on Oct. 7 was a significant factor to consider.
In conclusion, the recent shipment of U.S. armaments to Israel without preconditions has sparked discussions about the differing policies towards Israel and Ukraine. While Israel is expected to uphold the law of war as a democracy, Ukraine faces stricter conditions regarding the usage of certain munitions. The ongoing conflict in the region continues to raise concerns about civilian casualties and the need for accountability.
