White House Urges Democrats to Oppose Israel Resolution

The White House is urging House Democrats to vote against a Republican bill criticizing President Joe Biden for withholding weapons from Israel.

The White House is pressuring Democrats to oppose the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, scheduled for a vote on Wednesday. This legislation, introduced by House Republicans, calls on the Biden administration to allow approved arms transfers to be expedited and to use appropriated funds for Israel as intended by Congress, Punchbowl News reported.

Last week, Biden announced that he was blocking the transfer of 3,500 bombs to Israel following the country’s threat to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

This bill puts House Democrats in a difficult position, forcing them to choose between supporting Israel or Biden. Punchbowl News reports that nearly all House Republicans are expected to support the bill.

The White House has stated that it would veto the bill, arguing that it would hinder the president’s ability to carry out effective foreign policy, according to the report.

As an incentive to vote against the legislation, the Biden administration also announced a new weapons package for Israel worth over $1 billion.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer, and other NSC officials are actively contacting House Democrats to persuade them to vote no on the bill. The State Department is also involved in these efforts.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a pro-Israel Democrat from Florida, plans to vote against the bill due to significant concerns it raises. He mentioned potential repercussions beyond the current conflict that could impact future situations.

Although the Biden administration opposes Israel’s actions in Rafah, Sullivan clarified that they do not believe Israel is engaging in genocide. He reiterated the U.S. commitment to seeing Hamas defeated and stressed the need for a cease-fire in Gaza.

Sullivan emphasized that efforts are underway to secure a cease-fire and a hostage-release deal with Hamas. He acknowledged the challenges and uncertainties surrounding such negotiations.

While the Israeli government is not actively lobbying House Democrats on the bill, sources indicate that if passed, it is likely to face opposition in the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.