House Republican leadership is criticizing President Biden for suggesting that the U.S. could decrease its support for Israel unless Israel does more to protect civilians in Gaza. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and House GOP Conference Chair Elise Stefanik both condemned Biden’s comments as empowering barbaric terrorists and demanding that Israel surrender to Hamas. Progressives have been pushing Biden to reduce military aid to Israel, accusing the country of violating U.S. policies on humanitarian support. Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders has expressed support for this stance, calling for a change in policy towards Israel.
President Biden had a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israel to take specific actions to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers in Gaza. While progressives argue that weakening support for Israel is necessary to protect civilians, Republicans and some moderate Democrats believe that doing so would be a victory for Hamas. They argue that the U.S. should be focused on pressuring Hamas, not Israel, and that demanding an immediate cease-fire from Israel undermines the country while facing an existential threat.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Biden for issuing ultimatums to Israel rather than Hamas, especially considering the recent rocket attacks by Hamas towards Israeli civilians. He argued that Hamas brought about needless bloodshed, resisted a ceasefire, and refuses to release hostages held by the group. Republicans in the Senate, including Sen. James Lankford and Sen. John Barrasso, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of supporting Israel in its fight against terrorists.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been ongoing, with Hamas militants invading southern Israel and causing civilian casualties. The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 30,000, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. However, they do not differentiate between fighters and civilians in their reporting. President Biden’s remarks regarding potential changes in policy towards Israel have sparked criticism from Republicans who believe that the U.S. should continue to support Israel’s efforts to protect its people and defeat terrorists.
Overall, the debate over U.S. support for Israel in the conflict with Hamas in Gaza highlights the differing views within Congress on how to address the situation. While progressives advocate for reducing military aid to Israel, arguing that it would help protect civilians, Republicans and some moderate Democrats argue that weakening support for Israel would empower Hamas and undermine an important ally in the region. The Biden administration faces pressure from both sides as it navigates its approach to the ongoing conflict and seeks to protect civilians in Gaza.
