Results for: Israel

Republican House Conference Chair Elise Stefanik has criticized President Biden’s policies toward Israel in a speech at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament. Stefanik, the highest-ranking House member to visit Israel since the recent terrorist attacks, reaffirmed her strong support for the Jewish state and accused Biden of failing to provide adequate support during the recent conflict with Hamas.

Stefanik highlighted former President Trump’s strong relationship with Israel and criticized Biden’s decision to pause a weapons shipment to Israel, which was later reversed. She also criticized the Biden administration for extending a waiver allowing Iran access to $10 billion in funds and for easing sanctions on Iran, which she described as a leading state sponsor of terror.

Stefanik expressed support for all measures to aid Israel that have come before the US Congress and touted her own history as a leading proponent of Israeli independence and security. She emphasized that the majority of Americans support Israel and that America stands with the nation.

Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, has recently stepped up its attacks on Israel, employing drones and more sophisticated weaponry. In a recent incident, Hezbollah fired three anti-tank guided missiles at an Israeli military post, followed by an attack on a base near Tiberias using explosive drones. The group’s use of drones capable of firing missiles and other advanced weaponry has raised concerns within the Israeli military.

Hezbollah’s escalation of attacks is seen as a means of pressuring Israel to end its military operations in the Gaza Strip. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has stated that the fighting will continue until Israel’s actions in Gaza cease. Hezbollah’s recent actions aim to raise its demands in potential border negotiations and increase military pressure on Israel as it prepares for a battle in Rafah.

Despite efforts from foreign dignitaries to end the violence, Hezbollah has maintained its tough stance. The group’s deputy leader, Naim Kassim, has warned Israel against opening an all-out war, citing the group’s success in previous conflicts.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi disclosed that he dispatched a special envoy to Israel during Ramzan to urge the cessation of bombings in Gaza. Modi also mentioned that he does not subscribe to token secularism and had independently visited both Israel and Palestine. Additionally, he expressed India’s intention to make its own decisions regarding the Chabahar Port agreement with Iran, despite US sanctions warnings.

In a significant rebuke of President Biden’s policy towards Israel, several House Democrats joined Republicans in passing the Israel Security Assistance Support Act. The bill condemns the administration’s withholding of offensive aid to Israel and mandates the expeditious delivery of previously approved weapons shipments. The move highlights growing concerns within the Democratic Party over Biden’s handling of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israeli forces have intensified their offensive in the Gaza Strip, pushing into the heart of Jabalia in the north and pounding Rafah in the south. Hamas fighters have responded with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, while the United Nations has called for the opening of land crossings to allow aid deliveries. The death toll in Gaza has risen to 35,272, and malnutrition is widespread.

The Israeli army has confirmed that two Thai hostages who were previously believed to be alive in Gaza were killed in an attack on October 7th. The bodies of the hostages are currently being held in the Palestinian territory.

The House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill to stop President Biden from blocking offensive weapons aid to Israel. The bill, known as the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, would condemn the president’s posture on Israel’s Gaza invasion and compel the Biden administration to expeditiously send any weapons shipments already approved by Congress. The bill has bipartisan support, but it’s expected to face opposition from Democrat leaders in the House and White House. The issue of Israel has become a contentious political issue, with some Democrats increasingly critical of the U.S.’s unconditional support for Israel.

President Biden is facing scrutiny for deferring military assistance to Israel, leading Republican lawmakers to demand a special counsel probe. Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) accuses Biden of violating the Impoundment Control Act of 1974 and undermining the separation of powers by withholding Congressionally-approved aid. The Biden administration’s decision to pause the transfer of bombs has drawn criticism from both Democrats and Republicans, with some arguing for limiting offensive weapons to pressure Israel to protect Palestinian civilians and others advocating for unwavering support amidst Israel’s conflict with Hamas and Iran-backed groups.

Iran’s manipulation of terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah is at the heart of the ongoing conflict between Israel and these groups. By funneling billions of dollars and weapons to these entities, Iran seeks to spread destruction and achieve its genocidal goal of eliminating Israel. The key to ending the conflict lies in holding Iran accountable for its actions and preventing its puppets from continuing their attacks. Strengthening America’s own oil and gas production, supporting Israel and its Arab allies, and pressuring Iran to release Israeli hostages and cede control over Gaza are crucial steps towards weakening Iran’s influence and promoting peace in the region.

The Biden administration has been criticized for what some have described as conflicting messaging on key subjects relating to the United States’ top Mideast ally: Israel. While the administration has reiterated America’s commitment to Israeli security remains “ironclad,” President Biden has also pledged that if the Israel Defense Forces incur substantively into the southern Gazan city of Rafah, “I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities – that deal with that problem.”