The call from a coalition of lawyers, including some within the Biden administration, to halt military aid to Israel marks a remarkable moment of dissent within the administration over its Israel policy.
The group, which includes lawyers from various government departments and the private sector, plans to send a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and other administration officials arguing that Israel’s actions in Gaza likely violate U.S. and international humanitarian law.
President Joe Biden (Credits: ABC News)
The lawyers contend that Israel’s actions, including indiscriminate bombardment resulting in civilian casualties and strikes on aid convoys, may have breached U.S. statutes such as the Arms Export Control Act and Leahy Laws, as well as international conventions prohibiting disproportionate attacks on civilian populations.
Their letter underscores concerns within the administration regarding the credibility of Israel’s assurances on the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in accordance with international law.
This dissent also reflects broader discontent among civil servants, with some officials expressing doubt about the government’s support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The lawyers argue that the U.S. government has a duty to provide advice free from improper political influence and call for a cessation of arms shipments to Israel until it halts its military operations in Gaza.
President Joe Biden (Credits: AP News)
They also urge the Justice Department to investigate whether any U.S. citizens serving in the Israeli military may have committed war crimes prosecutable under U.S. law.
This development comes between the ongoing debates over U.S. military aid to the region, with Congress recently approving substantial assistance, including outstanding military aid to Israel.
The lawyers’ letter signals a growing internal challenge to the administration’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict and highlights the depth of discontent and dissent among government officials.
