It goes without saying that President Biden‘s threat to withhold arms transfers to Israel infuriated Republicans, but even some Democrats are objecting to the decision.
Sen. John Fetterman, Pennsylvania Democrat, linked to an article about Mr. Biden saying he will delay some military shipments if Israel invades Rafah in southern Gaza, where Hamas is believed to be embedded within the Palestinian civilian population.
“Hard disagree and deeply disappointing,” Mr. Fetterman said on X.
The day before, Mr. Fetterman told Fox News that “I don’t think we should be withholding any munitions, and I think we should send them immediately.”
Rep. Ritchie Torres, New York Democrat, said the U.S. “cannot claim that its commitment to Israel is ‘iron-clad’ and then proceed to withhold aid from Israel.”
“The mixed messaging makes a mockery of our credibility as an ally,” said Mr. Torres on X. “No one will take our word seriously.”
As the leader of the free world, America cannot claim that its commitment to Israel is “iron-clad” and then proceed to withhold aid from Israel.
The mixed messaging makes a mockery of our credibility as an ally. No one will take our word seriously.
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) May 8, 2024
Asked about the military aid, Sen. Jon Tester, Montana Democrat, told CNN’s Manu Raju that “I think he should release it.”
The president said Wednesday on CNN that if Israel launches an offensive into Rafah, “we’re not going to supply the weapons and artillery shells used.”
Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee Republican, summed up the GOP reaction by calling Mr. Biden‘s stance “a win for Hamas and Hezbollah.”
The Israeli Defense Force has sought to evacuate more than 100,000 civilians from eastern Rafah ahead of the planned offensive.