Amidst mounting global outrage over the escalating death toll in Gaza, Western governments are facing increasing pressure to reevaluate their military support for Israel. The delicate balance between supporting Israel and addressing accusations of war crimes is becoming harder to maintain, as recent events have demonstrated.
Germany recently had to defend itself against accusations of complicity in genocide against Palestinians in Gaza for exporting weapons to Israel. In Washington, Representative Gregory W. Meeks of New York threatened to block a deal to sell fighter jets to Israel unless assurances were made about protecting Palestinian civilians. Meanwhile, Britain’s foreign minister, David Cameron, faced questions about Israel’s actions in Gaza during a media briefing at the State Department.
Despite being the main supporters of Israel’s military, Western governments are facing increasing scrutiny and calls to halt arms sales to Israel. President Biden has warned of conditioning future support for Israel on addressing concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The European Union and several European countries have already halted arms deals with Israel in response to the conflict.
The recent hearings at the United Nations against Germany and concerns raised by Nicaragua about foreign weapons sales to Israel contributing to Palestinian deaths are adding to the pressure on Israel’s arms suppliers. With the possibility of Israel invading Rafah, where displaced Gazans are sheltering, the situation could worsen.
Countries like the Netherlands and Italy have already halted arms trade with Israel to comply with international humanitarian laws. The United States remains the largest exporter of weapons to Israel, with a multi-billion dollar military aid package in place. President Biden has faced calls from within his party to halt all weapons transfers to Israel until a ceasefire is reached.
As the death toll rises in Gaza, the international community is increasingly questioning the ethics of supporting Israel militarily. The delicate balance between backing Israel and addressing accusations of war crimes is becoming harder for Western governments to maintain as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate.