WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House says it’s pausing sending weapons to Israel if Israel invades Rafah.
Israel says Rafah is the last Hamas stronghold in Gaza.
It’s also where more than a million refugees are sheltering.
President Biden says the U.S. is still committed to Israel’s defense but will not supply weapons for a Rafah ground invasion.
Republicans are slamming the president’s decision to withhold weapons.
“It’s a total betrayal,” said Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.).
Others say the U.S. is abandoning an ally.
“So much for that ‘ironclad support,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa.).
Israel says it needs to invade Rafah to defeat Hamas, whose October terrorist attack started the war, but the White House has long opposed a major invasion of Rafah where more than a million Palestinian refugees are sheltering.
President Biden officially drew the line in an interview on CNN Wednesday.
“If they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah,” said Biden.
His comments come after the administration paused a bombs shipment to Israel last week.
The State Department says it could pause more.
“But again, we hope that there is no operation,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders praised the president’s move and said the U.S. should go further as the humanitarian crisis grows in Gaza.
“…holding back all offensive military aid,” said Sanders.
However, Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman said this is a mistake.
“We need to be absolutely ready to stand with Israel and provide whatever they need,” said Fetterman.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will stand alone in this war if it has to.
