Following a conversation between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week, calls among Democrats to halt weapons shipments to Israel have increased. This came after an Israel Defense Forces strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen staffers. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other party leaders have signed a letter urging the president to end these shipments. Senators like Chuck Schumer have also called for new elections in Israel, stating that Israel cannot survive if it becomes a pariah. Biden warned Netanyahu that U.S. policy on Gaza could change if civilians are not protected, emphasizing the need for an immediate cease-fire.
Members of the administration, such as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and White House national security communications spokesperson John Kirby, echoed Biden’s concerns. Senator Peter Welch noted that changes to Israel’s behavior have not come fast enough. Senator Chris Coons, a longtime Biden ally and supporter of Israel, argued for placing conditions on arms shipments unless civilians in Gaza are better protected. Concerns have also been raised by families of American hostages in Gaza, urging Biden to take action after six months of conflict. These families fear that a cease-fire without a deal could be a death sentence for their loved ones.
Despite the mounting pressure on Israel, Biden denied claims that he threatened to stop military aid to Israel during the call with Netanyahu. He emphasized that he asked Israel to take the actions they are currently undertaking. Democratic leaders have urged the president to withhold arms transfers if Israel does not mitigate harm to innocent civilians and facilitate the transport of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Amidst the growing focus on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, some Democrats, like Senator John Fetterman, have voiced unwavering support for Israel in the conflict against Hamas.
Tensions between U.S. Democrats and Israel have risen following the strike that killed World Central Kitchen staffers, sparking calls to halt weapons shipments and push for a cease-fire in Gaza. Democratic leaders are urging the president to withhold arms transfers unless Israel takes steps to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. Some lawmakers, including Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Peter Welch, have expressed concerns about Israel’s actions in the conflict and called for conditions on military aid. Families of American hostages in Gaza are also pressing Biden to take action to ensure the safe return of their loved ones.
President Biden has pushed back against claims that he threatened to cut off military aid to Israel during his call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, highlighting the administration’s focus on encouraging actions to protect civilians and stabilize the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The administration has also warned that U.S. policy on Gaza could change if Israel does not take adequate measures to prevent harm to innocent civilians. Despite the mounting pressure on Israel, some Democrats continue to express unwavering support for the country in its conflict against Hamas. The situation remains tense as calls for a cease-fire and protection of civilians persist amidst ongoing discussions between U.S. and Israeli leaders.
