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In an address to Israel’s Parliament on Sunday, Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) is poised to criticize President Biden’s suspension of arms supplies to the country as it continues its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Her comments to the Knesset follow the Biden administration’s warning to Israel against invading Rafah, a city in southern Gaza currently sheltering approximately 600,000 Palestinians who have fled their homes due to the ongoing conflict. Biden has urged the Israeli military to develop a strategy to minimize civilian casualties.
Stefanik, who leads the House Republican Conference, intends to position the Republican Party as the primary supporter of Israel, especially given the divisions among Democrats regarding U.S. support for the military operations in Gaza.
“I have been clear at home, and I will be clear here: There is no justification for an American president to block aid to Israel—aid that was duly passed by Congress, or to ease sanctions on Iran, which pays a $6 billion ransom to the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, or to hesitate while our allies fight for their lives,” Stefanik stated in her prepared remarks, which were reviewed by The Hill.
“There’s no justification. Full stop,” she continued. “That’s why I have sponsored or supported every measure to aid Israel that has come before Congress. Every single one.”
The Biden administration has faced criticism over the pause, which temporarily halted the transfer of approximately 3,500 heavy bombs to Israel while the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were preparing to advance their operations in central and southern Gaza. The White House later indicated plans to transfer $1 billion in weapons to Israel.
Stefanik’s comments not only underscore her pro-Israel position but may also enhance her profile as a potential vice-presidential candidate for former President Trump. She has been mentioned alongside various supportive senators and governors as a possible running mate.
“It’s why I led the calls for the White House to condemn the corrupt ICC,” she noted in her remarks, referring to the International Criminal Court, which is reportedly considering issuing an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over alleged war crimes. “It’s why I have been a leading supporter and ally of President Trump in his historic commitment to Israeli independence and security.”
As the highest-ranking House member to visit Israel following Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the kidnapping of over 250 individuals, Stefanik plans to meet with Israeli officials, visit religious sites, and tour areas impacted by the attacks that ignited the conflict.
“We must not allow the extremism in elite circles to obscure the deep and enduring love for Israel among the American people,” she is expected to declare. “Most Americans feel a strong bond with your people. They have opened their hearts to you in this dark hour.”
On Thursday, the House passed a bill aimed at reversing Biden’s pause, formally criticizing his handling of the war. The legislation, which passed with a 224-187 vote, is unlikely to progress in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
