The House passed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act by a 224-187 vote Thursday, a bipartisan effort showing not all Democrats oppose Israel. But Schumer's track record – such as calling for new elections in Israel in the middle of a war – suggests he's another high-ranking Democrat with little conviction when it comes to supporting America's chief Middle East ally.
National defense analyst Bob Maginnis believes Israel can defeat Hamas with its current supplies, but he suggests future operations could be a problem. "I think [the Israelis] have enough munitions to finish the Gaza fight, but their inclination – and this is a strategic call that the war council will have to make – is that once they have wrapped up much of what they're doing in Gaza … they'll move north [to launch attacks on Hezbollah]. "Then the Israelis will be in a pinch if we continue this so-called 'pause' on 2,500-pound bombs, much less if we extend that to other munitions. Sixty percent of all Israeli munitions come from the United States. The other mostly 30-plus percent come out of Germany." The senior fellow for national security at Family Research Council says Israel likely will move to more native production of ammunition in response to threats of more American cutoffs. |
The Israel Security Assistance Support Act compels "expeditious" delivery of approved defense articles and services while also specifically condemning the Biden administration for its decision to pause arms shipments (see sidebar). The measure also reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense and requires the Executive Branch to file a report to Congress explaining its decision to withhold assistance. Johnson is calling for "moral clarity" on the issue.
"This is not complicated. It's actually very simple," Johnson told reporters. "This is a moment where we need – not just the American people, but the entire world – need moral clarity. You are either with Israel, or you are not – and if Schumer refuses to bring this up for a vote, he'll be telling the world that his party, the Democrats, are no longer willing to stand with our great ally."
Graham (right) believes Schumer will have no qualms making that statement to the world. "Schumer's going to block it, and we need to raise holy hell," Graham, the South Carolina Republican, said on Washington Watch Thursday.
The House shouldn't have to encourage "expeditious" delivery of aid approved by Congress. In fact, according to the senator, President Joe Biden's decision to delay munitions and weapons is another example of his contempt – think back to the Supreme Court ruling against his student loan forgiveness – for any authority other than his own.
The Impoundment Control Act of 1974 reasserted Congress' constitutional control over the budget by establishing new procedures for controlling impoundments and by instituting a formal process through which Congress could develop, coordinate and enforce its own budgetary priorities independent of the President.
"It's a legal concept that says when Congress appropriates something and directs funds, the administration has to agree," Graham told show host Tony Perkins.
Biden has since quietly moved out of the way for the approved military aid for Israel to begin making its way there.
Finally, Biden releases aid for Israel
Tuesday, the State Department said it had moved a $1 billion package of weapons aid for Israel into the congressional review process, Reuters reported. The package includes tank rounds, mortars and armored tactical vehicles.
"It's obviously being done as a political calculation, and we cannot let this stand," Johnson said.
Graham argued that Biden's weapons pause for Israel puts more Palestinians at risk by potentially extending the war.
"The reason so many Palestinians have been killed is Hamas wants them killed. Hamas uses the Palestinian people as human shields against Israel. They put weapons in mosques and schools and build command centers under hospitals, and they put their own people in harm's way," the senator exclaimed. "They won't let them leave when Israel says, Leave this area. Hamas won't let them leave.
"The answer is not to deprive Israel of weapons they need to beat the terrorists. You don't want to reward terrorists who put civilians in harm's way by restricting the ability of the victim, Israel, to fight back," he added.
While Biden delayed key weapons for Israel, the Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday provided further video evidence of Hamas terrorists helping themselves to relief aid meant for Palestinians in Gaza.
Israeli spokesman David Mencer said the video also showed armed terrorists shooting from within the Rafah compound of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) with U.N. vehicles nearby.
"We ask this simple question. What are terrorists doing inside the UNRWA logistics compound? It's a central point for UNRWA's aid distribution in Gaza. Terrorists are seen armed inside the compound alongside U.N. vehicles and shooting civilians right outside. The U.N. must answer this question," Mercer said.
UNRWA has a history of support for Hamas.
A friend of Mike Johnson
Graham praised Johnson, who faced a challenge to his leadership from far-right GOP members earlier this month, for getting the Israel Security Assistance Support Act passed. He just thinks it reached the end of its road with Schumer.
"Mike Johnson has been awesome. I really am so impressed with the Speaker at so many levels. They passed legislation that would change [Biden's] policy. There's a real fight going on about this – but Mike put legislation on the floor of the House, and it's coming to the Senate."
Sidebar added after story was originally posted.
