(BrightPress.org) – House Republicans are moving forward with a bill meant to force President Joe Biden to reverse his decision about withholding weapons shipments from Israel.
Biden recently said he would stop sending certain types of precision bombs to Israel if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continued to insist on invading Rafah without making plans to protect civilians. Netanyahu has vowed to destroy Hamas at any cost since the terrorist organization attacked Israel on October 7th, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking hostages. It is believed that Hamas’ last stronghold is in Rafah and Netanyahu intends to move forward with a military operation in an area that houses more than 1 million Palestinian civilians. Biden believes preventing unnecessary civilian casualties is of the utmost importance. Around 35,000 Palestinians have already been killed since this war began.
The bill would freeze budgets for the Secretary of Defense Office, Secretary of State, and National Security Council unless Biden proceeds with the intended weapons delivery to Israel. House GOP members intend to push the legislation even though the Biden administration is working on $1 billion in military aid for Tel Aviv.
A major concern about the proposed legislation is that it violates laws already in place that prevent sending weapons to another country if that country’s government has committed “gross” human rights violations. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it is reasonable to conclude that in certain instances Israel has “acted in ways that are not consistent with international humanitarian law.” The White House claims the bill would undermine the President’s ability to “execute an effective foreign policy.” Adam Smith (D-WA) said the bill is a “blunt instrument” and a “vain effort to score political points at home.”
Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) said the bill is not serious legislation but another “stunt” by “Extreme MAGA Republicans” to politically harm President Biden. Majority Whip Dick Durbin agrees that boundaries need to be set to prevent unnecessary civilian deaths in Rafah.
President Biden has vowed to veto the bill if it makes it to his desk.
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