Stefanik will criticize Biden’s weapons retention in comments before the Israeli government

Representative Elise Stefanik (RN.Y.), in a speech before Israel’s Parliament on Sunday, is expected to denounce President Biden’s pause in supplying weapons to the country as he continues his military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip .

His comments before the Knesset came after the Biden administration warned Israel not to invade Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where at least 600,000 Palestinians are seeking shelter after being evacuated from their homes at the start of the war. Biden urged the Israeli military to first come up with a plan to avoid civilian casualties.

Stefanik, who chairs the House Republican Conference, is expected to present the Republican Party as the true supporter of Israel, considering that US support for the country’s operation in Gaza has at times divided Democrats in Congress.

“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.”

The Biden administration has faced scrutiny over the pause, which halted the transfer of some 3,500 heavy bombs to Israel as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) prepared to advance its operation in southern and central Gaza. The White House later said it plans to transfer $1 billion worth of weapons to the Jewish state.

The New York Republican’s comments, in addition to highlighting her pro-Israel stance, could also elevate her as a candidate for former President Trump’s vice presidential position. Stefanik has been mentioned as a potential running mate, along with a group of senators and governors who support the former president.

“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.”

Stefanik will be the highest-ranking member of the House to visit Israel following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in more than 250 people being taken hostage. She is scheduled to meet with Israeli officials, visit religious sites and visit sites targeted in the attack that sparked the war.

“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 House on Thursday approved a bill that would reverse Biden’s pause, a formal warning to his approach to the war. The legislation – which passed the House by 224 votes to 187 – is unlikely to go anywhere in the Democratic-controlled Senate.

Mychael Schnell contributed reporting.

This story originally appeared on thehill.com read the full story