Palmetto State News

Democrats have been urging Republicans for months to pass U.S. military aid for America’s allies abroad. However, only weeks after the bill was passed with substantial bipartisan support, President Biden is now delaying the weapons Israel requires to succeed in a war for survival. This has led to commendation for the Republicans who are opposing Mr. Biden’s arms embargo.

On Thursday, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced a measure condemning the Administration’s decision to halt weapons deliveries to Israel. All Senate Republicans supported the measure except for Rand Paul of Kentucky.

Sen. Graham stated, “I want the Republican Party in the Senate—and I think the House will follow—to firmly state that we believe Israel is a rule of law nation,” adding that “the weapons that we’re providing to them are necessary for their continued survival, that you have Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran, all dedicated to the destruction of Israel, not the uplifting of the Palestinian people.”

The resolution reiterates the Biden Administration’s numerous promises of unwavering support to Israel. However, among other weapons, it highlights that “since January 2024 the Biden Administration has effectively paused the sale of up to 6,500 Joint Direct Attack Munitions.” These kits provide GPS directions to bombs ensuring accuracy within approximately 10 feet. They are precisely the precision weapons that minimize civilian casualties in urban warfare. The embargo imposed by Mr. Biden could potentially make Israeli operations in Rafah more bloody and costly.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will likely attempt to prevent a floor vote on this measure. Nevertheless, Sen. Graham suggests that he and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine are exploring ways to counteract through appropriations processes.

Mr. Biden's decision marks a significant turning point which could reverberate globally as it threatens one of U.S.'s main allies in the Middle East. Other allies may question their association with U.S., fearing similar treatment.

As Minority Leader Mitch McConnell noted on the floor on Thursday, “Nations on the fence will look elsewhere for their own security. And our enemies will be emboldened.” This succinctly summarizes Mr. Biden’s foreign policy.