The law supporting security assistance to Israel was approved by 224 votes to 187 against, during a vote that was largely on a partisan basis. 16 Democrats joined most Republicans in voting yes, while three Republicans joined most Democrats in opposing the measure.
Although the law is not expected to become effective, its approval reflects the deep division in the US election year over policy towards Israel at a time when the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to eliminate Hamas after the October 7 attack, which Israel says resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and 253 hostages.
Palestinian authorities say that at least 35,272 civilians were killed during the Israeli campaign in Gaza. Malnutrition is widespread in the Strip, and many of its residents have become homeless.
Republicans accused Biden of abandoning Israel after he faced widespread pro-Palestinian protests.
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said in a press conference with party leaders, “This is a disastrous decision with global repercussions. It is clear that it was made based on political calculations, and we cannot allow this to continue.”
Democrats also accused the other side of playing political games, and said that Republicans were distorting Biden’s position on Israel.
Israel, a major recipient of US military aid for decades, is still scheduled to receive billions of dollars in US weapons despite the delay of one shipment of 2,500-pound bombs and the review of other arms shipments by the Biden administration.
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