Biden Admin Pauses Shipments To Israel
President Biden is facing backlash from both Republicans and Democrats for pausing shipments of weapons to Israel. The decision, which was made in response to escalating violence in the region, has been met with surprise and criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.
On Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sent a letter to Biden demanding details about the decision by the end of the week. They were joined by a number of pro-Israel Democratic lawmakers who expressed concern over the move.
Pausing congressionally approved weapons to an international ally for domestic political purposes was an impeachable offense 5 years ago. That happened.
They all know it. They all know what's happening. Now pay attention to why it's not being covered that exact same way. https://t.co/nKGbAVg5sq
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) May 9, 2024
The administration has blocked shipments of ammunition, 500-pound bombs, and 2000-pound bombs to Israel, according to sources. This comes as Israel has begun moving into Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, despite efforts by Biden and Democrats to prevent such an assault.
In response to the criticism, Biden stated that he would stop all shipments of offensive weapons, such as artillery shells and bombs for fighter jets if Israel invades Rafah. This move has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some arguing that it undermines the credibility of the U.S. as an ally to Israel.
You didn’t pay attention the first time https://t.co/9ORTreY8pB
— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) May 9, 2024
One strong pro-Israel voice of dissent comes from Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.), who called the decision a "mockery" of the U.S.'s alliance with Israel. In a brief interview on Capitol Hill, Torres stated that he believes the move is due to political panderings to the "far left." He also expressed concern that the decision could harm Israel's ability to defend itself.
Other Democratic lawmakers have also criticized the move, stating that Israel needs the support and tools to protect itself from its enemies. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) argued that Israel is "surrounded by danger" and needs the U.S. to fulfill its obligation to send weapons. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) noted that the message being sent to Israel also reached Hamas, potentially prolonging the ongoing conflict.
You wanted this, you campaigned for it, you ignored the radicalism on the left… so congrats, you got everything you wanted. https://t.co/h0SXU0PY0l
— Ryan James Girdusky (@RyanGirdusky) May 9, 2024
However, not all Democrats have spoken out against the pauses. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) stated that he "strenuously disagrees" with the decision and that the U.S. should stand with its key ally. Others, such as Rep. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), believe that the decision is wise and that it is time to pause shipments of weapons that may lead to more civilian casualties.
In addition to criticism from lawmakers, some Democrats are also expressing concern about the messaging behind the decision. Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) believes that a message needed to be sent to Israel, but Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) is seeking clarification from the administration on their reasoning.
JUST IN - ISRAEL - PALESTINE CONFLICT: @LindseyGrahamSC asks US @SecDef Llyod Austin whether he would have supported dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, adds, "Give Israel what they need to fight the war they can't afford to lose," says, "If we stop weapons… pic.twitter.com/g5RvPTd7et
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) May 8, 2024
The decision by the Biden administration to pause shipments of weapons to Israel has sparked debate and criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the political spectrum. While some argue that it undermines the U.S.'s alliance with Israel and could harm its ability to defend itself, others believe it is a necessary step to address the escalating violence and protect civilian lives. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this decision will affect the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.