Report: Biden saw evidence of Israeli war crimes, kept US support

Former President Joe Biden's administration reviewed intelligence demonstrating that Israeli officials were aware their military operations in Gaza potentially violated US and international law, yet maintained full American support according to a new report. The HuffPost investigation, based on accounts from former US officials, reveals the Biden administration received internal Israeli assessments acknowledging legal concerns about large-scale attacks and humanitarian aid restrictions in the Palestinian territory.

Internal Israeli Assessments

The intelligence material, described as so "serious and sensitive" that it prompted an urgent interagency meeting including Biden, detailed Israeli government awareness of potential legal violations. A former official stated the documents "showed how aware the government of Israel was about the illegality" of their conduct in Gaza. The administration reportedly considered limiting intelligence cooperation with Israel to reduce potential US legal liability while ultimately rejecting substantive policy changes.

Administration Response and Terminology

Secretary of State Antony Blinken reportedly raised concerns that Israeli actions could constitute ethnic cleansing, with this characterization becoming regularly used by State Department officials according to a senior department source. Career officials at the State Department and USAID reportedly argued that continuing unconditional support would mean the US "would knowingly be violating the law," though their superiors declined to formally adopt this position amid concerns about professional consequences for staff advocating policy changes.

Continuing Military Support

Despite these legal and ethical concerns, the Biden administration maintained military assistance to Israel throughout the Gaza conflict that has resulted in over 69,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. Both Blinken and Biden declined to comment on the report, while Israeli and US State Department officials did not respond to requests for statement. The revelations come amid ongoing international scrutiny of US military support for Israeli operations in Gaza.