The White House has firmly opposed a Republican-led bill that seeks to compel President Joe Biden to release a shipment of high-payload bombs to Israel. The shipment, withheld earlier this month, has been a point of contention amid concerns that the munitions could be used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in a significant offensive in Rafah, an operation that Washington does not support.
"We strongly, strongly oppose attempts to constrain the president's ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives," stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing. The bill, introduced by House Republicans over the weekend, aims to freeze the budgets of the Secretary of State, the Defense Secretary, and the National Security Council until the bombs are released to Israel.
This legislative push comes in response to President Biden's decision to pause the shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs. In an interview with CNN, Biden revealed that he had warned Israeli leaders of potential cuts to U.S. military aid should they proceed with an invasion of Rafah. This stance has garnered approval from progressive factions within the Democratic Party, who have been critical of the rising death toll in Gaza.
However, the decision has also sparked immediate backlash from Israel's supporters and Republican lawmakers, who accuse the White House of undermining Israel's efforts against Hamas. GOP leaders have scheduled a floor vote on the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which aims to prevent Biden from withholding military aid. The proposed bill includes provisions to freeze the budgets of key defense and foreign policy offices if the weapons are not delivered.
The vote on this bill poses a challenging political dilemma for some vulnerable Democrats, who must balance their support for Israel's actions against Hamas with the White House's cautious approach to minimizing civilian casualties in Gaza. The White House has repeatedly cautioned Israel against launching a full-scale ground operation in Rafah, though it has not specified what actions would trigger a more severe response.
Jean-Pierre defended the administration's decision, highlighting the destructive potential of the withheld bombs in densely populated urban environments like Rafah. "The president has been very clear: His commitment to Israel's security is ironclad," she emphasized. "It is our objective as well that we plan to spend every last cent appropriated consistent with legal obligations."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained resolute, stating that he would proceed with or without U.S. support. Israeli forces have already entered Rafah, though they have not yet conducted widespread operations. The Biden administration's stance has thus far succeeded in delaying a more extensive military campaign, but the situation remains volatile.
The bill is expected to pass in the Republican-controlled House but is unlikely to advance in the Democrat-controlled Senate. Nonetheless, the debate underscores the broader tensions within U.S. foreign policy and the complex dynamics of its support for Israel.
