Title: Democrats in Congress Consider Using Leverage Over Weapons Sales to Pressure Biden on Israel’s Actions in Gaza
As tensions continue to escalate in Gaza, Democrats in Congress are grappling with how to address the civilian death toll and the military offensive being carried out by Israel. With concerns mounting, lawmakers are considering using their leverage over weapons sales to register objections and increase pressure on President Biden to place conditions on American support for the conflict.
While top Republicans have approved a State Department plan to sell $18 billion worth of F-15 fighter jets to Israel, the deal remains in limbo as the top Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs Committees have yet to sign off. Senator Ben Cardin and Representative Gregory W. Meeks have not commented on the status of the deal, but other Democrats have voiced the need for Israel to do more to protect civilians and allow aid to reach those in Gaza.
Senator Chris Van Hollen is exploring legislative options to block weapons transfers, although the likelihood of success is slim given the strong bipartisan support for Israel in Congress. However, lawmakers can use their oversight role to weigh in on the issue and potentially influence the outcome.
Under the Arms and Export Control Act, the president must consult with Congress on major weapons sales, and lawmakers can place a hold if they have objections. The process can be lengthy and frustrating for administrations hoping to push through deals quickly.
Despite the challenges, Congress has the power to block a weapons transfer with a resolution of disapproval, although this would require a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. The strong bipartisan backing for Israel makes this outcome unlikely, but it could lead to a public standoff between Democrats in Congress and the White House.
The president also has the authority to bypass Congress in emergency situations, as seen in the past with arms deals to Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. Democrats have expressed concerns about the use of emergency powers to fast-track weapons transfers, emphasizing the need for transparency and congressional oversight in such decisions.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, Democrats in Congress are facing a delicate balancing act between supporting Israel and holding the country accountable for its actions in the conflict. The outcome of their efforts to use leverage over weapons sales to pressure President Biden remains uncertain, but the debate highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
