Published by
AFP
AFP
Washington (AFP) – The Republican-led US House of Representatives voted Thursday to force President Joe Biden to end his hold on high-payload bombs approved for Israel but blocked over concerns about their use in Gaza. The largely symbolic move — it has no chance of becoming law — is a response to Biden suspending the shipments over fears of mass Palestinian casualties as Israeli forces press their assault on the densely populated city of Rafah. The Israel Security Assistance Support Act would prevent Biden from freezing any congressionally approved military aid to Israel, including 3,500 2,…
The following e-mailed comments were received by San Diego Jewish World which I as editor pass along in the interest of presenting a range of Jewish opinion:
REACTIONS:
Rep. Deborah Wasserman Schultz (D-Florida):
“Instead of uniting Congress in a bipartisan manner to defeat Hamas and unequivocally support Israel’s survival, House Republicans brought a divisive, unserious bill to the floor with the sole intention of dividing Americans and scoring cheap political points.
“Throughout my career and especially over the past seven months, I’ve provided unwavering support to Israel, its people, and the 130 hostages still held captive by Hamas. I have traveled to the region multiple times since October 7th, used my platform to keep the hostages and victims of Hamas’ sexual violence front and center in the national dialogue.
“I have and will continue to proudly vote to back Israel’s right to defend itself through the supplemental assistance bills and support their fight to eradicate Hamas as a threat, as well as humanitarian aid for Gazans used as human shields by Hamas.
“This bill would make America and Israel less safe. Undermining American security undercuts Israeli security. Threatening to defund our national security leadership, our military, and our diplomats who work nonstop in support of our ally Israel, would be profoundly damaging to our security and our interests.
“This is not pro-Israel legislation. It is dangerous, cynical, and counterproductive. It takes aim at Israel’s strong bipartisan support instead of uniting against Hamas.
“Today’s vote was a partisan stunt, which Republicans hoped would paper over their failure to provide aid to Israel for six months. I remain committed to working with my colleagues across the aisle on legislation and continued funding for our historic and vital partnership with Israel. This legislation did not rise to that standard.”
*
Republican Jewish Coalition:
Today, Republicans in the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, moved to hold the Biden administration accountable for its indefensible betrayal of Israel.
RJC is proud to have strongly supported the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, which guarantees the delivery of the defense items promised to the Jewish state just a few weeks ago in the foreign aid supplemental.
Meanwhile, spineless House Democrats shamefully chose partisan political loyalty over standing with our most cherished ally in the Middle East, voting overwhelmingly to oppose this measure.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has also said this bill will not even get a vote in the US Senate. This is a test for Democratic Senators who say they support Israel: will you meekly accept this betrayal of a key strategic partner?
What do you say Senator Casey (D-PA)? What do you say Senator Rosen (D-NV)? What do you say Senator Tester (D-MT)? What do you say Senator Brown (D-OH)?
There is no excuse for President Biden’s embargo of Israel as it fights for its very survival – and, unsurprisingly, Biden has said he would veto this bill if it ever reached his desk.
Without a doubt, there is only one unequivocally pro-Israel party and it is the Republican Party.