US authorities are pressing the Israeli government for written assurances of compliance with international law regarding the use of American weapons in the Gaza Strip by mid-March, reports Barak Ravid in Axios.
Washington is also demanding written guarantees to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. If these assurances are not provided within the specified timeframe, the US will suspend arms supplies to Israel, the publication highlights.
According to a national security memorandum released on Feb. 8, countries seeking American weapons must furnish the United States with "credible and reliable written assurances" of their adherence to international humanitarian law before receiving such supplies.
Countries involved in conflicts, including Israel, have 45 days from the memorandum's publication date to provide these written guarantees, certified by the head of the State Department. Other nations have a 180-day window.
A spokesperson for the White House National Security Council stated that Israel has indicated its intent to furnish appropriate guarantees promptly.
The spokesperson emphasized that the memorandum "does not introduce new standards for military assistance but establishes a transparent and consistent framework for obtaining assurances of compliance with existing standards."
The Israeli Defense Ministry declined to offer a comment on the matter.
