Joe Biden could prevent Israel from using US weapons in a Rafah offensive, according to officials. 

The US is allegedly considering imposing “conditionality” on American arms ahead of Israel’s planned attack on the southern Gazan city amid questions on the protection of civilians. 

The former US ambassador to Israel said that questions around the offensive could “precipitate an unprecedented crisis” in relations between the two nations, according to the Washington Post. 

“If Israel launches an offensive in Rafah without adequately protecting the displaced civilian population, it may precipitate an unprecedented crisis in US-Israel relations, even involving arms supplies,” Martin Indyk is quoted as saying.

The Post added that although US officials “haven’t made any decision” yet, the debate “shows the administration’s growing concern about the crisis in Gaza”.

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