Does the United States bear responsibility?

The United States did not carry out Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. But it has played an important role in enabling Israel’s military capacity.

The United States is Israel’s most important international military supporter. Under a long-term agreement, it committed to provide around $3.8 billion in military assistance each year through 2028. Congress approved billions more after October 7, and American-made weapons have been used during the Gaza war.

The United States has also used its diplomatic power in Israel’s support, including vetoing ceasefire-related UN Security Council resolutions concerning Gaza.

Critics therefore argue that the United States cannot be treated as a neutral observer: Israel’s campaign has been sustained with substantial American weapons, funding and diplomatic support.

U.S. governments argue that supporting Israel protects an ally and its right to defend itself, while also saying Israel must comply with international humanitarian law. The United States has also provided humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and participated in ceasefire diplomacy.

Whether that makes the United States legally responsible for particular Israeli violations is a more complicated legal question. No international tribunal has determined that the United States was complicit in genocide.

As a matter of documented fact, however, the United States provided substantial military and diplomatic support that helped Israel sustain its operations.