Lawmakers React to Biden’s Decision on Munitions Delivery to Israel

The suspension of certain munition deliveries to Israel by President Joe Biden has elicited mixed reactions from US lawmakers. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell accused Biden of creating daylight between the US and Israel, alleging that the decision was made under political pressure from anti-Israel groups. McConnell added that the move was withheld from Congress and urged for transparency regarding key facts. Meanwhile, Representative Ro Khanna, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed support for halting the delivery of offensive weapons while emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire, massive humanitarian aid, and the end of attacks on Rafah. Another lawmaker, Sen. Ted Cruz, criticized the Biden administration’s decision, stating that stopping weapons necessary to destroy Israel’s enemies during a time of great peril would lead to dire consequences. Conversely, some lawmakers argued that the decision was a positive development given the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of children are facing starvation due to the ongoing conflict. These lawmakers urged for the use of all available leverage to demand an immediate ceasefire and delivery of vast humanitarian aid. Overall, the lawmakers’ views were divided, with some expressing concern over the impact of the decision on the US-Israel alliance and others highlighting the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.