White House, Congress battle over specifics of Israel aid

The White House on Tuesday was pushing for a new $1 billion weapons deal for Israel after pausing a previous weapon shipment to Israel, according to The Wall Street Journal. The new weapons package would include military vehicles, mortars, and other ammunition, the Journal reported.

Whatever happened to other aid headed for Israel? The administration paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said at a Monday press conference. Sullivan implied the White House thought there was a risk of the explosives being dropped on densely populated areas. Republicans on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee on Tuesay wrote to President Biden saying they were not notified about the pause and demanded details about the shipment and the decision to pause it.

What’s next for House Republicans? Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., on Tuesday introduced to the House of Representatives the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. The bill would prevent any federal agent from delaying or blocking aid promised to Israel. Biden then said he would veto the bill if passed by Congress. Biden said the bill would prevent the United States from ensuring the weapons it ships to Israel are used responsibly. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., on Wednesday accused Biden of betraying Israel with his decisions, and by default assisting Hamas and Iran.

Dig deeper: Read Mark LiVecche’s column in WORLD Opinions about another threat by President Biden earlier this month to withhold weapons from Israel if it invades Rafah.