Staff Reports
Some Democrats opposing Biden’s arms transfer threat to Israel
President Biden has caused some uproar among Republicans and even some Democrats with his recent threat to withhold arms transfers to Israel. Some Democrats, including Sen. John Fetterman from Pennsylvania and Rep. Ritchie Torres from New York, have publicly objected to the decision.
Sen. John Fetterman shared an article on a social media platform where he expressed his disagreement with the president’s decision. He also made remarks on Fox News, stating that he believes there should be no withholding of munitions and that they should be sent to Israel immediately. Similarly, Rep. Ritchie Torres criticized the U.S.’s mixed messaging, claiming that it undermines the credibility of the country as an ally.
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
Furthermore, Sen. Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, also expressed his view that the military aid should be released to Israel. President Biden’s statement that the U.S. would not supply weapons and artillery shells if Israel launches an offensive into Rafah was met with criticism from Sen. Marsha Blackburn, a Republican from Tennessee, who called it “a win for Hamas and Hezbollah.”
It is important to note that the Israeli Defense Force has been working to evacuate over 100,000 civilians from eastern Rafah in preparation for the planned offensive.
In response to this controversy, some Democrats and Republicans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the president’s decision to withhold arms transfers to Israel, while emphasizing the importance of supporting the country’s defense efforts.
