President Joe Biden must ramp up support for Israel amid increasing threats from Iran and its terrorist proxies, U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) said.
“We are seeing mounting, tangible evidence of the myriad ways that Russia, China, and Iran are enabling each other’s aggression against the United States and our partners,” wrote Rep. McCaul, chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, in a Nov. 1 letter sent to Biden. “This is a watershed moment that requires moral and strategic clarity.”
Rep. McCaul asked Biden to take immediate, public action to surge defense articles to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs, and to eliminate bureaucratic and other delays that are currently slowing more than 10 critical weapons cases purchased via Direct Commercial Sale to Israel.
“It is apparent that Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, are attempting to exploit perceived divisions between the United States and Israel, exacerbated by recent actions of senior Biden-Harris administration officials,” he wrote. “It is imperative that you act now to deter our adversaries by showing that there is no daylight between the United States and Israel.”
Rep. McCaul pointed out that In May, Biden halted a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs over disagreements regarding Israeli military operations in Rafah, the city where the Israeli military recently eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and where numerous hostages were executed by Hamas terrorists.
And though major military operations in Rafah have concluded, the bomb shipment remains blocked, according to his letter.
“As misguided as this decision was at the time, it is now downright dangerous,” wrote Rep. McCaul. “Robust action is needed to deter Iran and its proxies. It is past time for you to publicly lift the hold on these bombs, making clear that the United States will provide Israel all support needed to restore its security against these lethal adversaries.”
The congressman also requested that the administration consult with Congress prior to any further withholding of assistance to Israel.