WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) opened the door to possible conditions on future U.S. military aid to Israel if the Israeli military launches a full-scale ground offensive against Rafah without significant changes in how civilians are treated and protected. He also emphasized the importance of increased humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
Senator Coons: I understand the trauma of October 7. Just yesterday, I met with families who lost loved ones in the horrific attack of October 7. But we also have to find a way forward and hold Israel accountable for finding a way forward to delivering humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Wolf Blitzer: Senator, some of your Democratic senatorial colleagues – and pretty active members – they are working right now to try to put in place specific conditions on future U.S. military assistance to Israel. Is that something you would support, especially in light of today’s incident?
Senator Coons: If [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu goes ahead with a full-scale ground offensive against Rafah without having provided significant changes in how civilians are treated and how civilians are protected, and how humanitarian aid is being delivered? Yes, I would.
Wolf Blitzer: You would support restrictions on U.S. military aid to Israel – is that what I’m hearing?
Senator Coons: If they go ahead with a full-scale ground campaign into Rafah without taking into account their obligation under international law to protect civilians and to facilitate the distribution of aid, yes.