Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has condemned President Biden's decision to withhold offensive weapons from Israel, labeling it as an "abandonment" in the face of escalating Middle East conflict. The Biden administration has since reversed its stance, pledging to send $1 billion in arms.
President Biden has approved a $1 billion arms shipment to Israel, days after facing bipartisan backlash for withholding offensive aid amid the escalating Middle East conflict. The decision comes after the House of Representatives passed a bill rebuking the president's initial move.
The reversal follows intense pressure from pro-Israel lawmakers, who accused the Biden administration of abandoning its commitment to Israel's security. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, criticized the administration's handling of the situation, calling it a "betrayal."
Despite the White House's threat to veto the measure, several House Democrats defied their leadership to support a bill compelling the Biden administration to expeditiously send approved weapons shipments to Israel. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act passed with bipartisan support, underscoring the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel's invasion of Gaza and its response to Hamas' terror attack.
President Biden's initial decision to pause a bomb shipment from Israel and warn against using offensive weapons in population centers in Gaza sparked outrage among pro-Israel lawmakers. They argued that the move sent the wrong message to Hamas and undermined Israel's ability to defend itself.
The House-approved bill condemns the president's posture on the Gaza invasion and requires the Biden administration to promptly send any weapons shipments already approved by Congress. It also includes a provision to withhold funding from key officials if there is any delay in weapons aid.
The White House has stated its intention to veto the bill if it reaches Biden's desk, citing concerns that it could restrict the president's ability to conduct foreign policy. The administration maintains that it will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself but insists that the bill is unnecessary and could have unintended consequences.
The issue of Israel has become a politically divisive topic for the Democratic Party, with a growing number of lawmakers criticizing the Gaza invasion. This has created a fracture within the party between more moderate members and progressives who are increasingly critical of close ties with Israel.
Friedman, the former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, has expressed concern that Biden's initial decision to withhold arms may embolden Hamas and create a perception of weakness on behalf of the United States. He has called on the administration to provide Israel with the full support it needs to defend itself against terrorist threats.
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer and other House Republicans have condemned Biden's handling of the situation, accusing the administration of siding with terrorists over Israel. They argue that withholding weapons aid sends a dangerous signal to adversaries and undermines the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Despite the White House's initial reluctance, President Biden has now reversed course and approved a $1 billion arms shipment to Israel. This move suggests that the administration is responding to the intense pressure from lawmakers and is willing to provide Israel with the necessary support to defend itself against Hamas.
