The House of Representatives passed the “Israel Security Assistance Support Act” on Thursday in a 224-187 vote. This legislation would block funding for key defense agencies if the White House does not continue to deliver all previously approved military aid to Israel. The bill was introduced as a response to the Biden administration’s decision to delay a shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel in an attempt to deter the Israel Defense Forces from invading the southern civilian enclave of Rafah. It specifically condemns the Biden administration’s pause on certain arms transfers to Israel and calls for all previously approved transfers to proceed quickly.
Three Republicans voted against the bill, while 16 Democrats voted for it, going against their party’s leadership’s attempts to whip votes against it. The bill also contains provisions to halt funding for the offices of the Defense Secretary, Secretary of State, National Security Council, and Homeland Security Council if the bombs are not transferred to Israel. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated that the bill is dead-on-arrival in the Democratic-controlled Senate. The White House has indicated that President Biden would veto the bill, as it would undermine his ability to execute effective foreign policy and is seen as a misguided reaction to a distortion of the administration’s approach to Israel.
The relationship between Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been strained, with some Republicans accusing Biden of abandoning support for Israel. Biden’s frustration with the civilian death toll in Gaza has led to tensions in their relationship. The paused bombs transfer has angered Biden’s progressive base and put a dent in his support among younger voters. Despite this, Biden has maintained that he will ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself. The administration has stated that it is withholding the bombs because they should not be dropped in densely populated cities, as they have caused civilian casualties in the past.
In response to the pause on the bomb transfer, Biden has indicated that he would further curtail military assistance to the IDF if they were to invade Rafah. The administration’s stance has raised concerns about the potential violation of international law by Israel in Gaza. However, Israel has yet to launch a full-scale ground operation in Rafah, opting instead for airstrikes and military presence in the city to pressure Hamas for a cease-fire deal. The Biden administration has also proceeded with a $1 billion weapons deal for Israel, potentially including tank ammunition, tactical vehicles, and mortar rounds, in an effort to appease Netanyahu and critics of the paused bomb transfer.
Overall, the passage of the “Israel Security Assistance Support Act” in the House highlights the ongoing tensions between the Biden administration and Israel over military aid and the conflict in Gaza. While the bill faces obstacles in the Senate and potential veto by the President, it underscores the complex dynamics at play in U.S.-Israel relations. The situation in Rafah remains a point of contention, with Biden’s stance on military assistance to Israel dependent on the actions taken by the IDF. The administration’s efforts to balance support for Israel with concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza continue to shape its foreign policy approach to the region.
