House to Vote on Resolution Condemning President Biden’s Stance on Israel Aid

The House is set to vote on Wednesday to denounce President Joe Biden’s decision to halt arms transfers to Israel.

The proposed legislation from House Republicans urges the Biden administration to allow the previously approved arms transfers to proceed promptly and to use all allocated funds for Israel as directed by Congress, according to Punchbowl News.

Last week, Biden announced the suspension of bomb transfers to Israel following the country’s threat to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

This bill presents a dilemma for House Democrats, who are faced with a choice of either voting against Israel or against Biden.

Punchbowl News reported that nearly all House Republicans are expected to back the bill, while House Democratic leadership anticipates around 40 lawmakers supporting it. The White House has yet to convince Democrats to oppose the bill.

“We strongly oppose any efforts to limit the president’s ability to provide U.S. security assistance in line with U.S. foreign policy and national security goals,” stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre.

Despite the disagreement over the Rafah operation, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated that Israel is not engaging in genocide.

Sullivan expressed the U.S.’ desire to see Hamas defeated, acknowledged the dire situation faced by Palestinians in the conflict, and cautioned against a major Israeli military operation in Rafah.

According to Sullivan, more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza have lost their lives, as reported by Gaza health officials.

He also mentioned the potential for a cease-fire in Gaza if Hamas were to release hostages, emphasizing the need for Hamas to return to negotiations and reach a resolution.

It was noted that the Israeli government is not lobbying House Democrats on the bill, as per sources cited by Punchbowl News.

The bill is expected to face opposition in the Democratic-controlled Senate, reported by Politico.