Biden's Threat to Withhold Arms from Israel Sparks Impeachment Calls

Lawmakers from both parties have rebuked President Joe Biden for suggesting he might withhold offensive weapons from Israel amid its ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip. The criticism has escalated to calls for impeachment from Republican Senator Tom Cotton, drawing parallels to the impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump over the Ukraine aid controversy.

Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, took to X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, asserting that the House of Representatives "has no choice but to impeach Biden based on the Trump-Ukraine precedent of withholding foreign aid to help with reelection." He accused Biden of prioritizing his electoral prospects over national security interests.

The House has no choice but to impeach Biden based on the Trump-Ukraine precedent of withholding foreign aid to help with reelection. Only with Biden, it’s true.

— Tom Cotton (@SenTomCotton) May 9, 2024

The controversy stems from Biden's remarks on Wednesday, where he stated, "I'm not supplying the weapons" if Israel continues its push into Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip. The threat drew swift backlash from lawmakers, particularly after Congress recently approved a $26 billion aid package for Israel.

Rep. Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, criticized Biden's stance, saying, "Joe Biden is withholding ammunition and military equipment and threatening Israel as they defend themselves and make decisions that are in their best interest, I think is wrong."

The Biden administration has since sought to clarify the President's comments, asserting that every dollar in the aid legislation will be sent to Israel as intended.

Why It Matters:

The controversy highlights the delicate balance between domestic political considerations and international relations, particularly concerning the United States' longstanding support for Israel. The threat of impeachment, though unlikely to gain traction, underscores the partisan divisions and the high stakes surrounding foreign policy decisions. The incident also raises questions about the potential consequences of perceived wavering in support for key allies and the potential implications for regional stability and U.S. credibility on the global stage.

Key Takeaways:

• President Biden faced criticism for suggesting he might withhold offensive weapons from Israel.
•  Sen. Tom Cotton called for Biden's impeachment, citing the Trump-Ukraine precedent.
• The controversy stems from Biden's remarks about not supplying weapons if Israel continues operations in Rafah.
• Lawmakers across the aisle condemned Biden's stance, citing concerns over national security and support for Israel.
• The Biden administration sought to clarify the President's comments, asserting that aid to Israel would be delivered as intended.