Sixteen Democrats unite with Republicans to override Biden’s suspension of bomb transfers to Israel

In a surprising turn of events, sixteen Democratic lawmakers joined forces with Republicans to pass a bill in the House of Representatives that would require the US to expedite all approved arms shipments to Israel, despite concerns raised by the White House over Israel’s assault on Rafah.

The bill, which passed by a vote of 224-187, is largely symbolic as it faces an uphill battle in the Democrat-controlled Senate and a promised veto from the Biden administration. The President has criticized the bill, stating that it undermines his foreign policy.

The significance of the bill’s passage lies in the fact that 16 pro-Israel Democratic lawmakers broke ranks with their party to support it. Notable names include Lois Frankel, Jared Moskowitz, Josh Gottheimer, and Ritchie Torres, all known for their vocal support of Israel.

Republican Senator Tom Cotton has introduced a companion bill in the Senate, but Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has made it clear that he will not bring the bill to a vote. Senior Democrats in the House also actively opposed the bill.

The divide within the Democratic Party over Israel’s actions in Gaza is becoming increasingly apparent, with progressives criticizing Biden’s unwavering support for Israel. This tension is spilling over into Democratic primary races, with accusations flying between candidates.

The focus of the conflict has shifted to Rafah, a town on the southern border of Gaza where a large number of Palestinians are seeking refuge. Biden had previously warned that he would withhold arms shipments if Israel launched a full-scale assault on Rafah. The administration’s definition of a “full-scale invasion” remains unclear, as Israel continues its bombardment of the area.

Despite the concerns over Rafah, the majority of arms transfers to Israel are still ongoing. In fact, the Biden administration is reportedly planning to send over $1 billion in additional arms and ammunition to Israel, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal.

The passage of this bill in the House of Representatives highlights the complex dynamics at play within the Democratic Party when it comes to US-Israel relations. As tensions continue to rise over Israel’s actions in Gaza, the debate over US support for Israel is likely to intensify, both within Congress and among the American public.