Around 16 Democrats Join GOP to Rebuke Biden’s Suspension of Israel Weapons Shipment

President of the US Joe Biden | Credits: Getty Images
President of the US Joe Biden | Credits: Getty Images

United States: A faction of House Democrats diverged from the White House, endorsing a bill censuring President Biden for his decision to withhold offensive aid to Israel on Thursday.

The Israel Security Assistance Support Act criticizes the president’s stance on Israel’s Gaza incursion and mandates that the Biden administration promptly dispatch any weapon shipments previously sanctioned by Congress.

The bill passed with 224 to 187 votes, with 16 Democrats aligning with 208 Republicans to propel the legislation forward. Notable Democrats supporting the bill include Reps. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y.; Darren Soto, D-Fla.; Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y.; Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.; and Henry Cuellar, D-Texas, among others, according to Fox News. 

Conversely, three Republicans opposed the bill — Reps. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio; Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga.; and Thomas Massie, R-Ky.

“President Biden’s decision to withhold weapons approved by myself, the chairman, and the ranking member, and appropriated by Congress, defies congressional intent and equates to an arms embargo,” stated House Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, during the bill’s debate.

“Red lines are meant for our adversaries. Red lines are not meant for our allies and friends. Yet, that is precisely what this Administration is imposing on Israel.”

The bill further stipulates withholding funds from the Secretary of Defense, Secretary of State, and the National Security Council if any delay in weapons aid occurs.

“House Democrats have made it evident they’d prefer to align with terrorists than support our staunchest ally in the Middle East,” remarked House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the No. 3 House Republican leader, to Fox News Digital.

However, critics of the bill argue it could set a precarious precedent, limiting a president’s capacity to conduct foreign policy.

This development follows President Biden’s facing bipartisan criticism from pro-Israel lawmakers for halting a bomb shipment to Israel over concerns it might be used in Rafah, as well as for cautioning Israel that the US would withhold offensive weapons if utilized in population centers in southern Gaza. Nonetheless, Thursday’s vote occurred days after Biden announced the progression of a USD 1 billion weapons shipment to Israel, as per reports per Fox News.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY, has already indicated he does not intend to consider the bill, referencing the White House’s threat to veto the measure if it reaches Biden’s desk.

“The bill is a misguided response to a deliberate misrepresentation of the Administration’s approach to Israel. The President has been unequivocal: we will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself,” stated the White House earlier this week.

“Moreover, this bill, if enacted, could trigger unintended consequences, preventing the United States from adjusting our security assistance posture concerning Israel in any manner, even to address unforeseen emergent needs, regardless of mutual agreement between Israel and the United States on changing military requirements,” Fox News reported.

House Democratic leaders were actively encouraging their caucus to oppose the bill.