Representative Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.) sharply denounced President Biden’s policy toward Israel during a speech to the country’s parliament, the Knesset, on Sunday in Tel Aviv.
Stefanik, the highest-ranking Republican to visit Israel since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, criticized the president’s warnings that he could withhold support for Israel if it invades Rafah in Gaza.
“I have been clear at home and I will be clear here: there is no excuse for an American president to block aid to Israel – aid that was duly approved by Congress, or to ease sanctions on Iran by paying a $6 billion ransom to its main sponsor. state of terrorism in the world, or hesitate and hide while our friends fight for their lives,” Stefanik said in prepared remarks, reviewed by The Hill.
“There is no excuse. Period,” she added. “That’s why I sponsored, or supported, every measure to aid Israel that was presented to the US Congress. Each one.”
Biden has repeatedly sent strong warnings to the Israeli government to better consider civilian casualties in Gaza and help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region. The suspension of a military shipment last week and threats to suspend other shipments represent the strongest signal yet from the Biden administration.
The move comes despite Biden’s consistent support for Israel. The president announced plans for a $1 billion arms deal for the country just days after threatening to cut off military supplies.
Biden’s threats were widely denounced by Republicans and some Democrats. The House approved a GOP-led bill to block the president from halting arms shipments to Israel in a 224-187 vote on Thursday. The measure is not expected to be approved in the Senate.
Stefanik made clear her support for former President Trump in the speech, marking a rare departure from the U.S. political tradition of not getting involved in partisan politics when abroad. She was considered a finalist to be Trump’s running mate in November.
“This is why I led the calls for the White House to speak out against the corrupt ICC,” his prepared remarks continue, referring to the International Criminal Court, which is considering issuing an arrest warrant for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on war crimes charges. “That’s why, for years, I have been a leading supporter and partner of President Trump in his historic support for Israel’s independence and security.”
“We must not allow extremism in ‘elite’ corners to hide the deep and abiding love for Israel among the American people,” she is expected to say. “Most Americans feel a strong connection to their people. They opened their hearts to you in this dark hour.”
The White House responded to Stefanik’s attacks on Sunday, saying instead that Biden is Israel’s closest ally.
“There has been no better friend to Israel than President Biden. He was the first American president to visit Israel during wartime – following the horrific October 7 terrorist attacks – and the first president to order the U.S. military to defend Israel from attack by a foreign nation.” voice Andrew Bates in a statement. to the hill.
Bates also attacked Trump in the statement.
“As he has demonstrated, President Biden’s support for Israel’s security is ‘steadfast,'” he continued. “Unlike some figures on the right, President Biden did not criticize the Israeli government in the days after October 7, nor has he ever praised terrorist organizations like Hezbollah – and he will not be lectured by anyone who has remained silent in the face of these offensive statements.”
Filip Timotija and Mychael Schnell contributed.
This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story
