An organization representing Jewish and pro-Israel Democrats said it was "deeply concerned" about President Joe Biden’s "dangerous" decision to withhold weapons from Israel over its invasion of Rafah.
"We are deeply grateful for President Biden’s unprecedented support for Israel and its security," Democratic Majority for Israel wrote in a statement on Wednesday. "At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the Administration’s decision to withhold weapons now and potentially impose further restrictions."
Biden told CNN’s Erin Burnett on Wednesday that he would pause the delivery of bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches an assault on the Hamas stronghold of Rafah. Biden said his administration would "continue to make sure Israel is secure in terms of Iron Dome and their ability to respond to attacks," but that they would not support military operations against "population centers."
Democratic Majority for Israel referred to Biden’s distinction between offensive and defensive weaponry as "specious."
"The same jets that some label ‘offensive’ played a central role in defending Israel against Iranian missiles and drones in April. Similarly, bombing missile launchers is just as much an act of self-defense as firing Iron Dome, which cannot be counted on to be 99% effective every time," the group wrote.
"In short, a strong U.S.-Israel alliance like the one President Biden has created, plays a central role in preventing more war and making the path to eventual peace possible. Calling the strength of that alliance into question is dangerous," the statement concluded.
Biden has faced further criticism from elected officials in his own party over his pause on military aid.
Sen. John Fetterman (D., Pa.) said he "strenuously disagree[d]" with Biden’s decision, adding, "We need to stand with our key ally throughout all of this."
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D., N.Y.) said the move "makes a mockery of our credibility as an ally," and accused Biden of "pandering to the far left."