Jewish Dems: President Biden Stands with Israel

Jewish Dems: President Biden Stands with Israel

WASHINGTON – Following President Biden’s reiteration in a CNN interview yesterday that if Israel goes into Rafah, the U.S. will not supply certain offensive weapons, JDCA CEO Halie Soifer said the following:

“Yesterday, President Biden reiterated that his White House – which has done more than any other administration to support Israel’s security and defense – stands with Israel. Since October 7, President Biden proposed and delivered the largest-ever emergency aid package for Israel, surged billions in security assistance and military sales, led an unprecedented coalition to defend Israel against direct Iranian attacks, worked tirelessly to ensure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and will continue to do what is necessary to ensure Israel can defend itself from ongoing security threats. 

“The President also made clear that Israel has every right to pursue Hamas and those responsible for the October 7 massacres, but he will not provide material support for a major ground operation in Rafah, a city sheltering more than one million people. The Biden administration has cautioned Israel for months against a full-scale operation in Rafah that risks mass casualties and deepens the existing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

“While the Biden administration has provided an assurance it will continue to provide Israel with the military capabilities it needs to achieve its strategic objectives in Gaza, President Biden has made clear he will restrict certain categories of American weapons for use in a large-scale invasion of Rafah. The administration has also made clear no further shipments will be delayed unless Israel goes forward without addressing U.S. concerns. This will not affect critically important defensive weapons such as Iron Dome and other missile defense systems.

“President Biden continues to demonstrate his deep and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and right to self-defense.”

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