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Last Updated on May 8, 2024.

Washington – Win Without War Executive Director Sara Haghdoosti released the following statement responding to President Biden’s announcement that he will withhold offensive weapons to the Israeli government if Benjamin Netanyahu’s Rafah invasion goes forward:

“We very much welcome President Biden’s strong stance against the Israeli government’s invasion of Rafah. Enforcing our laws and making clear that the U.S. will not transfer offensive weapons to support a disastrous military operation that endangers millions of Palestinians throughout Gaza is vital.

“President Biden has long made clear to Prime Minister Netanyahu that the United States would not support an invasion of Rafah. Prime Minister Netanyahu chose to ignore the president’s warnings, betting that President Biden would back down. Instead, tonight the president at last demonstrated leadership and showed that there are clear limits to U.S. support.

“This is a welcome step, but we still need to see more. U.S. law gives the president ample power to ensure that no more U.S. arms go to Netanyahu’s brutal war in Gaza. With a crucial ceasefire deal within reach, added pressure from the Biden administration can help end this war and create a path to a sustainable peace for people in Israel and Palestine. We once again urge the president to use every tool available to him to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages.”

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Win Without War is a diverse network of activists and national organizations working for progressive foreign policy in the United States.

May 8, 2024