TL/DR –
Congressional Democrats are resisting arms and military funding to Israel following a strike by the Israel Defense Forces that killed seven aid workers in Gaza. A group of House Democrats have written to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, urging them to reconsider a new arms package for Israel and to withhold future arms transfers until a full investigation is completed. This resistance could further delay a larger spending package, which includes $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine, that has been stalled for months due to opposition from House Republicans.
Democrats Challenge Fresh Military Funding to Israel Following Strike in Gaza
A strike by the Israel Defense Forces that resulted in the death of seven aid workers has led to a surge of opposition among congressional Democrats to extending military funding and arms to Israel. This resistance adds unpredictability to a stalled foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
Until recently, the $14.1 billion President Biden proposed for Israel’s conflict with Hamas was a bipartisan addition to a larger spending package, which contains $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine. However, this dynamic has significantly shifted, especially following an attack that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers.
Democrats Call for Investigation and Conditional Aid
Several House Democrats have written a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach towards Israel. They seek the denial of weapons to Israel until an inquiry into the strike is completed and propose tying new aid to specified conditions.
The letter, led by Representatives Mark Pocan, Jim McGovern, and Jan Schakowsky, suggests reconsidering the newly authorized arms package to Israel and advocates for holding back any future offensive arms until an airstrike investigation is completed.
Progressive Democrats Push for Restriction
Progressive Democrats continue to push President Biden to use American weapons sales to pressure Israel into better civilian protection. They call for the United States to stop funding the Netanyahu government’s strategy, which they say has disproportionately killed civilians and aid workers. This call for restriction has even begun to spread beyond the far-left flank of the party.
Impact on Biden’s Re-election and Future Aid
Mr. Pocan warns that the growing frustration among constituents about the war and US policy toward Israel could not only jeopardize a future funding package but also impact Mr. Biden’s re-election chances.
In a call with Mr. Netanyahu, Mr. Biden threatened to condition future support for Israel based on how they handle civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns. Meanwhile, Mr. Netanyahu is pressing for approval of the emergency military aid package for Israel. Mr. Johnson, following a meeting with Mr. Netanyahu, declared on social media that President Biden should not undermine Israel amidst an existential threat by conditioning US support.
—
Read More US News