Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-Israeli), in a speech to the Israeli parliament on Sunday, is expected to denounce President Biden's suspension of arms supplies to the country as the country continues its military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Her remarks in the Knesset came after the Biden administration warned Israel not to invade the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where at least 600,000 Palestinians who were evacuated from their homes early in the war are seeking refuge. Ta. Biden called on the Israeli military to first come up with a plan to avoid civilian casualties.
Stefanik, who chairs the House Republican Conference, presented the Republican Party as a true supporter of Israel, given that U.S. support for Israeli operations in Gaza has at times divided Congressional Democrats. plan to do so.
“I have been clear domestically, and let me be clear here, that the president of the United States is willing to provide aid to Israel, aid formally passed by Congress, and pay a $6 billion ransom to ease sanctions on Iran. There's no excuse to stop us from doing that.' Either we're the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, or we hang around and hide while our friends fight for their lives,” confirmed The Hill. Stefanik said in prepared remarks.
“No excuses. Full stop,” she added. “That's why I've sponsored or supported every single piece of support for Israel that's been introduced in the U.S. Congress. Every single one of them.”
The Biden administration has come under scrutiny for halting the transfer of about 3,500 heavy bombs to Israel as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) prepares to move forward with operations in southern and central Gaza. . The White House later announced plans to transfer $1 billion in weapons to the Jewish state.
The New York Republican's comments not only emphasize her pro-Israel stance, but also could elevate her as a candidate for former President Trump's vice presidential slot. Stefanik has been named as a running mate, along with a number of senators and governors who support the former president.
“That's why I led the call for the White House to speak out against the corrupt ICC,” she continued in her prepared remarks, as she reportedly accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of war crimes. He referred to the International Criminal Court, which is said to be considering issuing an arrest warrant. “That’s why I have been a key supporter and partner of President Trump for years in his historic support for Israel’s independence and security.”
Stefanik will be the highest-ranking congressman to visit Israel in the wake of Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took more than 250 hostages. She will meet with Israeli officials, visit religious sites and tour sites targeted in the attacks that sparked the war.
“Extremism in some corners of the 'elite' must not obscure the deep and abiding love of the American people for Israel,” she is expected to say. “Most Americans feel a strong connection to their people. During this dark time, they opened up to you.”
The House of Representatives on Thursday approved a bill reversing Biden's suspension, a formal reprimand for his approach to war. The bill passed the House floor by a vote of 224-187, but is not expected to pass in the Democratic-controlled Senate.
Mychael Schnell contributed reporting.
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