WASHINGTON (JTA) — Twenty-six Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives have requested a briefing from the White House on the suspension of large bomb deliveries to Israel by President Joe Biden, highlighting divisions within the party on Israel policy.
“We are deeply concerned about the message the Administration is sending to Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups by withholding weapons shipments to Israel at this crucial juncture in the negotiations,” stated the letter addressed to Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser. The letter referred to ongoing U.S.-led efforts to secure a ceasefire for the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. In exchange, Israel has offered to release a Palestinian security prisoner.
Earlier this week, Biden announced the suspension of the delivery of 2,000- and 500-pound bombs to prevent their use by Israel during an operation in Rafah, a city on the Gaza-Egypt border believed to be a stronghold of Hamas forces.
“With democracy facing challenges worldwide, it is crucial not to undermine our ally Israel, especially during this critical time,” emphasized Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, who is Jewish. “Our commitments to America’s allies must remain steadfast.”
Among the Jewish signatories were representatives Brad Schneider of Illinois, Jared Moskowitz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Lois Frankel of Florida, Kathy Manning of North Carolina, and Greg Landsman of Ohio, all known for their strong support for Israel.
The letter reflects the continued support within a significant portion of the Democratic caucus for the position recently advocated by the pro-Israel community — that Biden’s decision to suspend the weapons delivery marks a departure from long-standing norms.
On the other hand, Biden’s announcement was praised by progressives who have been urging him to use aid to Israel as a means to reduce casualties in the conflict. Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent progressive and the de facto leader of congressional progressives, stated, “Given the unprecedented humanitarian crisis caused by Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of children are facing starvation, President Biden made the right decision to halt bomb deliveries to the extreme right-wing Israeli government.”
The conflict began on October 7 when Hamas terrorists killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and took around 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched counterattacks, resulting in over 34,000 Palestinian casualties according to officials at the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry.