Several lawmakers have criticized President Joe Biden for his threat to withhold weapons and artillery if Israel invades Rafah, Hamas’s last stronghold. Biden made this statement during an interview with CNN reporter Erin Burnett, where he mentioned that the United States would not supply Israel with weapons if they invade Rafah. He also highlighted the civilian casualties in Gaza caused by bombs and artillery supplied by the United States.
Former Vice President Mike Pence, Sen. John Fetterman, and Sen. Mitt Romney disagreed with Biden’s comments. Pence called it unacceptable, Fetterman expressed disappointment, and Romney labeled it a terrible message to Israel and U.S. allies.
However, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Ilhan Omar supported Biden’s stance, stating that including Israel in U.S. standards enhances safety and clarity of values. They emphasized the importance of holding the Israeli government accountable like all allies.
Biden’s remarks followed a rocket attack by Hamas on the Kerem Shalom border crossing, prompting the Israel Defense Forces to urge residents in Rafah to evacuate for safety. Israel then sent tanks into Rafah and seized control of the border crossing it shares with Egypt.
