Republicans, who control the House of Representatives, are planning to fight back against the Biden administration’s decision to pause weapons delivery to Israel, exploiting a deep divide on the matter among Democrats.
The House plans to vote on a bill to stop the White House’s hold on aid to Israel that was appropriated by Congress as soon as Wednesday, according to House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA).
The Israel Security Assistance Support Act would prohibit the administration from withholding aid sent to Israel that Congress appropriated and would require the “prompted delivery” of any military assistance. The bill would require any weapons to be shipped within 15 days. If agencies do not comply, the legislation would restrict funds for the State and Defense departments, including the salaries of employees who work there.
In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, President Joe Biden said he would not supply offensive weapons to Israel that could be used in Rafah, the last major Hamas stronghold in Gaza, where more than 1 million civilians are sheltering. Biden said the United States would still be committed to Israel’s defense and would supply Iron Dome rocket interceptors and other defensive weapons.
Biden’s move to delay military aid, including 2,000-pound bombs, amid disapproval over Israel’s plans to expand military operations in southern Gaza, has angered Republicans and has drawn mixed reactions from Democrats, who have been divided on how the U.S. should respond to the war in Gaza.
The vote on the legislation is likely to put a spotlight on the simmering divisions of Democrats on the matter. The Biden administration continues to face pressure from Democrats to stop providing weapons to Israel and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While some Democrats praised the Biden administration’s move, 26 House Democrats signed a letter on Friday explaining they are “deeply concerned about the message the Administration is sending to Hamas” by withholding the weapons transfers.
The House Oversight Committee, led by Republicans, on Friday launched an investigation into the administration’s decision. Republican members of the panel penned a letter to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, stating that the move “appeared to be motivated by public perception, and not what is best for national security or diplomacy.”
The lawmakers also called for a briefing about why the decision was made and requests for documentation.
In addition, Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL) said Thursday that he’s preparing articles of impeachment against Biden for pausing weapons delivery to Israel. The Florida Republican argued Biden’s move to delay military aid is similar to Democrats’ first impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, in which he withheld aid to Ukraine in exchange for announcing an investigation into the Biden family. Several Republican Senators poured cold water on the suggestion of moving forward with an impeachment inquiry ahead of the weekend.
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White House spokesman John Kirby defended the move, telling reporters Friday that the president has made it clear that he does not support a major ground operation in Rafah.
“The argument that somehow we’re walking away from Israel, we’re not willing to help them defeat Hamas just doesn’t comport with the facts,” Kirby told reporters.
