Rep. Adam Smith, the Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, expressed concerns about President Joe Biden’s comments on Israel during a recent interview. Smith argued that the White House needs to clarify and reaffirm its support for Israel in order to prevent giving Hamas any incentive to continue fighting. He also emphasized the importance of highlighting that Hamas is obstructing a potential ceasefire by refusing to agree to terms that include returning hostages.
Smith acknowledged the legitimate concerns about Israel’s conduct in the Gaza conflict, particularly regarding the provision of humanitarian assistance and the protection of civilian populations. He called on the President to urge Israel to address these issues to ensure their security. However, he stressed the distinction between criticizing certain aspects of Israel’s campaign and cutting off support entirely.
Smith concluded by urging the White House to clarify its stance on Israel and emphasized the need to maintain a strong relationship with the country. He highlighted the importance of addressing humanitarian concerns and the protection of civilians while also supporting Israel’s security interests.
