The U.S. decision to suspend shipments to Israel and consider slowing other shipments is a major policy shift for the Biden administration. It is the first time that the US has refused military aid to a close ally since Israel began its invasion of Gaza.

Israeli forces are distributing more weapons to Jewish extremists in the occupied West Bank. Israel's National Security Minister launched a campaign to arm Israelis, including settlers in the occupied West Bank, under the pretext of protecting them from Palestinian attacks.