U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin testifying before Congress, focused intently on delivering his speech. He is wearing glasses and a dark suit with a light blue tie. The setting is a formal congressional hearing room with wood paneling and a stern atmosphere. A woman and a man are seated behind him, appearing to be part of his team, listening attentively. This image captures a significant moment during a congressional testimony, emphasizing the gravity and formality of the occasion

Lloyd Austin testifies in Congress. | PBS NewsHour

Biden Administration Pauses Weapons Shipment to Israel

May 13, 2024

Biden Administration Pauses Weapons Shipment to Israel

Ask students: When does Israel say it will launch a full-scale invasion of Rafah if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages? Who are some of the people who have criticized President Joe Biden's decision?

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Many Republicans and some Democrats are criticizing the Biden administration for suspending the delivery of thousands of bombs to Israel. At a Senate hearing, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin defended the move which comes as the White House also delayed a congressionally mandated report on Israeli military adherence to international humanitarian law.

On Wednesday, Defense Secretary Austin said, "We're going to continue to do what's necessary to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself. But, that said, we are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of unfolding events in Rafah."

"More than 1.4 million Palestinians — half of Gaza’s population— have been sheltering in Rafah, most after fleeing Israel’s offensives elsewhere," according to the Associated Press.

View the transcript of the story.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why did the Biden administration temporarily halt shipments of some weapons to Israel?
  2. Where has the Biden administration cautioned Israel to avoid invading because of catastrophic humanitarian consequences?
  3. When does Israel say it will launch a full-scale invasion of Rafah if Hamas does not release all remaining hostages?
  4. Who are some of the people who have criticized President Joe Biden's decision?
  5. How has the Biden administration responded to criticism?

Focus Questions

  1. Why do you think the Biden administration has reacted in this way regarding an invasion into Rafah after more than seven months of Israeli bombings and invasion in Gaza?
  2. How do you think this action will impact international relationships and politics at home in the U.S.?
  3. Media literacy: Who else do you think should be interviewed to understand the impact of this decision to withhold some weapons shipments?

Extension Activity

While some in Congress were criticizing Biden for delaying some weapons shipments, they were also conducting hearings to grill high school administrators about charges of antisemitism amid protests on school campuses.

Watch the following and discuss — what rights do you think high school students have to protest? How can students who feel unsafe or uncomfortable amid protests best be protected?

Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.

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PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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