Senate Republicans Demand End to Arms Embargo on Israel

Forty-eight Republican senators have urged President Joe Biden to lift a 'partial arms embargo' on Israel, asserting that his administration's delays in military aid have emboldened Iranian-backed terrorists. They criticized Biden for allegedly stalling critical weapons shipments, which they claim jeopardizes Israel's security amidst ongoing attacks from groups like Hezbollah, which recently resulted in the deaths of 12 children. The senators emphasized that the Biden administration's actions contradict long-standing U.S. military support for Israel and violate Congressional mandates for emergency military assistance. In response, the White House has maintained that the only paused shipments are specific bomb deliveries due to concerns over civilian casualties. Despite the administration's assurances that other aid continues, Republicans insist that Biden's cautious approach is detrimental to both Israel and American service members in the region. The letter highlights a growing urgency as tensions escalate in the Middle East following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7.