U.S. Issues Ultimatum to Israeli

The Biden administration has issued a stark ultimatum to the Israeli government, calling for immediate action to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza or risk facing future restrictions on U.S. military aid. This diplomatic move reflects growing U.S. concern over the dire conditions in Gaza, where blockades and ongoing military operations have severely limited the flow of essential goods, including food, water, and medical supplies.

The U.S. Demand: A 30-Day Deadline

In a letter dated October 13, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin directly addressed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, warning that immediate steps must be taken to reverse the deteriorating situation in Gaza. According to National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby, the letter sets a 30-day deadline for Israel to demonstrate its commitment to addressing several humanitarian concerns.

If Israel fails to meet this deadline, it could face new obstacles in accessing U.S. foreign military financing, a critical source of funding for Israeli defense capabilities. While the letter does not specify the exact consequences, it sends a clear message that Washington expects tangible improvements in the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Key Action Items for Israel

The letter outlines several specific action items that Israel must implement to address the crisis. Among them is the requirement to allow at least 350 aid trucks per day to enter Gaza through its four major crossings before winter. This step is seen as essential to mitigating the risk of starvation and worsening conditions as colder months approach.

Additionally, the Biden administration is pressing for a new communication channel to be established between U.S. and Israeli officials. This channel would focus on minimizing civilian casualties and coordinating humanitarian efforts, particularly in high-risk areas.

Humanitarian Pauses and Aid Worker Safety

The U.S. is also urging Israel to implement pauses in military operations across Gaza to enable aid groups to distribute essential supplies and provide medical services, including vaccinations, over the next four months. Aid workers in Gaza have repeatedly been targeted, even when the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were notified of their movements in advance. Improving security for these convoys and humanitarian workers is a priority, particularly in the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, where civilians have been especially vulnerable.

Israel’s military operations have significantly impacted aid efforts. The recent airstrike on Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, which Israel defended as a targeted strike on militants, has raised further concerns about the safety of civilians and aid workers in the region. Despite Israel's claims, the strike, which resulted in devastating civilian casualties, has added to the growing outcry over the humanitarian crisis.

Not the First U.S. Warning

This ultimatum is not the first time the U.S. has pressed Israel on humanitarian concerns. Earlier this year, Blinken and Austin sent a similar letter, urging Israel to take action, which received what officials described as a "constructive response." However, the crisis in Gaza has since escalated, with food supplies cut off since October 1, further intensifying the situation.

The United Nations has issued warnings about the potential for widespread starvation in Gaza if the blockade and military operations continue without relief efforts. This has prompted additional calls from Vice President Kamala Harris for Israel to increase its humanitarian actions in the region.

Humanitarian Concerns vs. Military Support

While the Biden administration has issued this ultimatum, there are doubts about whether the U.S. will follow through with restricting military aid to Israel. Over the past year, Israel has defied previous U.S. warnings with limited consequences. Recently, the U.S. announced plans to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to Israel, along with U.S. troops to operate it, marking a significant upgrade to Israel’s defensive capabilities.

Israel’s Military Operations and the Humanitarian Impact

The timing of this latest U.S. ultimatum comes as Israel prepares for a potential siege operation in northern Gaza, aimed at rooting out Hamas militants. The Israeli government has made it clear that its focus is on national security and eliminating threats from militant groups in the region, a priority that often conflicts with humanitarian concerns.

Aid workers and civilians in Gaza have borne the brunt of these operations, with strikes impacting hospitals, schools, and humanitarian zones. The Biden administration’s latest move emphasizes that while the U.S. remains committed to Israel’s security, there is growing impatience over the lack of attention to the civilian toll in Gaza.

Moving Forward: What’s at Stake?

The next 30 days are critical for Israel to demonstrate its willingness to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With the deadline coinciding with the aftermath of the U.S. presidential election, there is significant pressure on both governments to show progress. The U.S. has made clear that while this letter is not intended as a threat, future military support could be affected if humanitarian conditions do not improve.

However, the U.S. has historically been cautious about enforcing penalties on Israel, given the close strategic and military ties between the two nations. The outcome of this ultimatum will likely depend on how both governments balance security concerns with the need to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.