In an interview on Fox News Sunday, Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA) refuted the notion that the recent campus protests in the United States are influencing President Joe Biden’s decisions regarding the war in Gaza, labeling it as “ridiculous.” Biden announced on Wednesday that the US would not provide Israel with bombs and artillery shells if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chooses to invade Rafah, Gaza. Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) celebrated this decision on social media, stating that it was a result of the protests happening nationwide.
Smith explained that the president’s decision was driven by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Netanyahu’s lack of a plan for the region’s future. He emphasized that the US has been supplying weapons to Israel since October 7 and recounted Biden’s remarks at a recent event, where he suggested that the conflict could end if Hamas releases its hostages.
While criticizing Netanyahu’s leadership as leading Israel towards endless conflict, Smith maintained that it was ultimately up to the Israeli people to decide his future. Meanwhile, protests supporting Palestine on college campuses have led to arrests, with 33 protesters taken into custody at the University of Pennsylvania.
Additionally, House Republicans, led by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN), introduced the Study Abroad Act to send anti-Israel protesters to Gaza or revoke visas for those convicted of campus-related crimes. The bill targets individuals involved in rioting, unlawful protests, or establishing encampments on college campuses since October 7.
