US scraps order linking arms sales to international law

It is reported that the White House has revoked a key policy directive linking arms sales to international human rights law. This move marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, sparking widespread concern in the international community.

The Washington Post reported on Monday, citing anonymous sources, that U.S. President Trump has ordered the repeal of this key policy. The directive was originally signed by Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, and was designed to prevent U.S. arms sales from fueling human rights abuses abroad, particularly during Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Sources revealed that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has issued a memorandum formalizing the decision. National Security Memorandum 20, signed by Biden in February 2024, required ensuring that U.S. weapons are not used in ways that violate international humanitarian law. The measure was seen as a response to growing concerns about alleged human rights violations by Israel during the bombing of Gaza. Currently, all information about the memorandum has been removed from the White House website, with search results displaying a 404 error.

Trump's decision to overturn the memorandum follows closely on the heels of unfreezing the shipment of heavy weapons to Israel and lifting sanctions on Israeli settlers living in the occupied West Bank. On February 7, the Trump administration approved the sale of over $7.4 billion worth of bombs, missiles, and related military equipment to Israel. This move effectively clears away the last remnants of the Biden administration's policies regarding the Gaza war, which has resulted in at least 48,346 deaths and over 111,759 injuries.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a vocal advocate for the memorandum, condemned the repeal as "shameful," arguing that it undermines global human rights, U.S. national security, and its standing in the world. He also added that the reversal weakens taxpayers' ability to ensure their money aligns with U.S. laws and values. "This is yet another clear example of Trump's blatant disregard for American values," he stated. On the other hand, U.S. Senator Jim Risch, a Republican and chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, welcomed the move. He criticized the original order as a political tactic "designed to embarrass our ally Israel when they needed help" and argued that the policy weakened U.S. alliances while benefiting competitors such as Russia and China.