Biden administration pressures Israel over Rafah

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The White House says it will hold weapon shipments to Israel if Israel’s military fully invades Rafah.

The city in Gaza is housing more than a million displaced Palestinians.

The White House insists U.S.- Israeli relations remain ironclad but says it will not supply certain weapons if Israel ignores warnings and invades Rafah.

Republicans on Capitol Hill call the decision a gift to Hamas.

“This is insane,” said Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.).

Republicans are accusing the president of caving to political pressure from the left after a CNN interview Wednesday, the president drew an official line in the sand with Israel.

“If they go into 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,” said Biden.

“So much for that ‘ironclad support,” said Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa.).

For months now the president has warned Israel a ground invasion into Rafah would spark a humanitarian disaster.

“We don’t want to see an operation go forward and we were making that clear,” said State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller.

The Biden administration paused a bombs shipment to Israel last week and now the State Department says additional holds are on the table.

“That’s something that we’re watching closely,” Miller said.

South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham says the president is making a mistake.

“The consequences of this decision, Mr. President, are going to change the region and all the world for the worse…I’m asking you, I’m pleading with you, change course,” said Graham.

Even Democratic Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman says he disagrees with the president’s call.

“I really think we really need to be absolutely ready to stand with Israel and provide whatever they need,” said Fetterman.

Israel is undeterred and is vowing to invade Rafah to take out Hamas.  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said if Israel has to stand alone to complete their mission they will.

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