Biden administration ‘worried’ over Israel’s alleged use of US-supplied white phosphorus
The Biden administration expresses concern over alleged use of U.S.-provided white phosphorus by Israel in Lebanon attack
The Biden administration has expressed concern about reports suggesting that Israel’s military may have used white phosphorus, provided by the U.S., in an attack in Lebanon. The attack took place in the community of Dheira near the Lebanon-Israel border, resulting in injuries to at least nine civilians.
The Washington Post reported that Israel fired 155 millimeter artillery rounds of white phosphorus into Dheira in October. White phosphorus burns at high temperatures and can cause severe burns and respiratory damage. While its intended use is for producing smoke to provide cover during military operations, it can have harmful effects on civilians.
Concerns raised by the Biden administration
“[We’re] certainly concerned about that. We’ll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more,” said National Security Council coordinator John Kirby during a press gaggle on Monday.
It is important to note that white phosphorus does have legitimate military uses, such as illumination and producing smoke for concealing movements. However, when providing items like white phosphorus to another military, it is expected that they will be used in accordance with the law of armed conflict.
The specific shells used in the attack, which were recovered by the Washington Post, had production codes matching those used by the U.S. military. However, it is unclear whether these rounds were provided by the United States.
Israel has faced international scrutiny for the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza during the recent conflict with Hamas. The death toll is believed to exceed 17,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel has emphasized that it aims to target terrorists, but civilian casualties have been a significant concern.
Israel and Hezbollah, a terrorist group based in Lebanon, have engaged in tit-for-tat exchanges of rocket fire since the war broke out. However, both sides have so far avoided escalating the conflict into a full-scale war.
Preventing further escalation
“We absolutely don’t want to see this conflict spill over into Lebanon,” Kirby emphasized. “We don’t want to see a second front. We don’t want to see it escalate and widen.”
The Second Lebanon War, which took place in 2006, ended with a United Nations resolution that prohibited Hezbollah from maintaining a military presence south of the Litani River. However, Hezbollah has violated this resolution, and Israel has warned that it will take action to push Hezbollah away from its border.
The Biden administration will continue to investigate the alleged use of white phosphorus by Israel and seek further information to address the concerns raised.
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How does the Biden administration’s expression of concern regarding the alleged use of white phosphorus reflect a shift in US policy towards Israeli military actions?
The recent reports of Israel’s alleged use of U.S.-provided white phosphorus in an attack in Lebanon have raised serious concerns within the Biden administration. The attack occurred in Dheira, a community near the Lebanon-Israel border, resulting in injuries to several innocent civilians. The use of such a controversial weapon has prompted the administration to question the Israeli government about the incident.
According to a report by The Washington Post, Israel fired 155 millimeter artillery rounds containing white phosphorus into Dheira in October. White phosphorus, when ignited, burns at high temperatures, inflicting severe burns and respiratory damage. Although its intended purpose is to produce smoke for military operations, the use of this substance in civilian areas can have devastating consequences.
John Kirby, the National Security Council coordinator, expressed the Biden administration’s concerns during a press gaggle held on Monday. Kirby stated that they are ”certainly concerned about that” and that they will seek further information regarding this incident. The administration aims to fully understand the details surrounding the alleged use of white phosphorus and the potential implications it has on innocent civilians.
This expression of concern by the Biden administration signifies a shift from the previous administration’s stance on Israeli military actions. While the United States has been a long-standing ally of Israel, it is essential to uphold international humanitarian norms and ensure the responsible use of military technology. The alleged use of U.S.-provided white phosphorus in an attack that caused harm to civilians undermines these principles.
White phosphorus has been a controversial weapon for years. Its use has been subject to strict regulations due to the potential harm it can inflict on civilian populations. Given the reports of its alleged use in this attack, it is vital to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the veracity of these claims.
As tensions remain high in the region, it is crucial for all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritize the lives and well-being of innocent civilians. The Biden administration’s expression of concern demonstrates their commitment to upholding international humanitarian laws and ensuring accountability for the use of military technology.
Moving forward, it is expected that the administration will engage in diplomatic conversations with Israel to gain a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of white phosphorus. These discussions will help foster transparency and ensure that such incidents are not repeated, while also maintaining the strong relationship between the United States and Israel.
In conclusion, the reported use of U.S.-provided white phosphorus by Israel in the attack in Lebanon has prompted concern within the Biden administration. The alleged use of this controversial weapon highlights the need to uphold international humanitarian norms and protect innocent civilians. The administration’s expression of concern demonstrates their dedication to accountability and transparency. Diplomatic engagement between the United States and Israel is crucial to gain clarity on the incident and work towards preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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