US President Joe Biden is facing bipartisan blowback over his warning to Israel that a major Israeli offensive in the city of Rafah would result in a shut-off to some US weapons.
A group of 26 House Democrats sent a letter to Biden on Friday saying they are “deeply concerned about the message the Administration is sending to Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist proxies by withholding weapons shipments to Israel.” The letter does not specifically mention Biden’s interview with CNN this week where he first publicized his warning.
The group of House Democrats, led by Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, also requested a briefing from the White House to get more information on Biden’s decision, as well as how and when aid appropriated by Congress for Israel will be delivered.
Last week, Biden also signed off on a pause of 3,500 bombs to Israel that administration officials feared would be dropped on Rafah.
Meanwhile, Republicans are seizing on Biden’s comments and his handling of foreign aid. GOP Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, a rank-and-file member, has indicated he plans to file a long-shot impeachment resolution against Biden, calling the ultimatum an impeachable offense and accusing the president of abusing his power, which comes as the House GOP’s other Biden impeachment efforts have sputtered.
House Oversight Chair James Comer, also a Republican, has opened a probe over Biden’s handling of aid to Israel in the wake of his latest comments saying he would halt some shipments of American weapons to Israel.
