US Lawmakers Push for Conditional Support to Israel Amid Humanitarian Concerns

Democratic lawmakers are intensifying pressure on US President Joe Biden’s administration to leverage US military assistance to Israel, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont), alongside other members of Congress, have expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating conditions for civilians in the Gaza Strip, impacted by Israel’s military actions. Van Hollen emphasized the necessity of utilizing all available US influence to compel the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to facilitate the entry of aid by opening Gaza’s crossings.

The calls for action coincide with President Biden’s preparation for his annual State of the Union address, highlighting the urgency of the Gaza situation amid broader policy discussions. Despite these congressional appeals, the White House has yet to condition Israel’s military support on humanitarian grounds, maintaining its stance against imposing restrictions on assistance.

This unfolding debate emerges against the backdrop of significant civilian distress in Gaza, where Israeli offensives have uprooted millions, leading to acute shortages of essential supplies. Some US voters, particularly within the Muslim American community, have expressed their dissent through protest votes, signaling broader domestic repercussions for the Biden Administration’s foreign policy choices. Legislators are considering leveraging the US Arms Export Control Act to potentially halt future weapons sales to Israel, should the humanitarian crisis persist unaddressed.