The fallout on Capitol Hill continues over President Joe Biden's decision to halt a bomb shipment to Israel and his warning against supplying weapons that could be used in an invasion of Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where more than a million civilians seek shelter.
The House is set to vote on a Republican-led bill this week, titled the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which aims to force the Biden administration to resume transferring certain weapons to Israel. It also condemns Biden's decision to withhold some American-made heavy bombs.
The bill, introduced by Republican Reps. Ken Calvert of California, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, and David Joyce of Ohio, urges the "expeditious delivery" of defense articles and services to Israel. It also withholds funds for certain administration officials, such as the secretary of defense and secretary of state, until these articles are delivered.
In a statement, the group of co-sponsors emphasized their unwavering support for Israel, criticizing the administration's approach. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., echoed this sentiment, stating that it's not President Biden's role to dictate to Israel on defense matters.
While the bill is expected to receive strong support from Republicans, it presents a challenge for Democrats, highlighting the party's differing views on Israel. Some Democrats, including the 26 lawmakers who raised concerns over Biden's decision in a letter last week, may support the bill. However, others, like New York Rep. Dan Goldman, have criticized it as a misleading measure aimed at political gain.
The White House has stated its strong opposition to the bill, with a promise to veto it. The administration's stance has intensified following its decision to withhold 3,500 bombs from Israel over fears of their use in a potential ground offensive in Rafah. This move has sparked outrage among Republicans, who view it as a betrayal of a longstanding ally.
In the Senate, Sen. Lindsey Graham and other GOP lawmakers have introduced a resolution condemning any actions by the Biden administration to withhold or restrict ammunition to Israel. However, this resolution is unlikely to advance in the Democrat-controlled Senate.
The White House has attempted to defuse tensions, with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasizing the administration's commitment to Israel's defense while also highlighting the need to protect civilians and secure a cease-fire deal in exchange for the release of hostages.
Sullivan reiterated that the administration is continuing to send military assistance to Israel but has paused the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs due to concerns about their use in densely populated areas. He emphasized that the administration is working with Israel to find a better way to defeat Hamas, particularly in Rafah.
Overall, the situation underscores the complex dynamics at play in U.S.-Israel relations and the challenges faced by the Biden administration in navigating this delicate issue.