The US House of Representatives passed a bill that will force President Biden to send weapons to Israel. This is being seen as a rebuke to the president for delaying bombing shipments.
The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was approved 224 to 187. Sixteen Democrats joined most Republicans in voting yes.
Republicans have accused Biden of turning his back on Israel saying that his decision to pause weapons. Speaker Mike Johnson said this was a “catastrophic decision with global implications.”
“This is obviously being done as a political calculation, and we cannot let this stand.”
The act is not expected to become law. However, its passage shows the deep US election-year divide over Israel policy.
Democrats have also accused Republicans of playing politics. They said the Republicans are distorting Biden’s policy on Israel.
Democrats also accused the other party of playing politics, saying Republicans are distorting Biden’s position on Israel.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said before the vote that this was not a serious attempt at legislation.
“Some of the most pro-Israel members of the House Democratic caucus will be voting no.”
Israel has been a major recipient of US military assistance for decades. However, it is still due to get billions of dollars of U.S. weaponry.
This is despite the delay of one shipment of 2,000-pound (907-kg) and 500-pound bombs and the review of other weapons shipments by the Biden administration.
The State Department has already moved a $1 billion weapons package aid for Israel.
Palestinian authorities say at least 35,272 civilians have been killed during Israel’s campaign in Gaza. The UN says there is widespread malnutrition.
(REUTERS)
