By Jack Birle. Media: Washingtonexaminer
President Joe Biden could be in for some intraparty division in a coming vote on a GOP House resolution on the war between Israel and Hamas.
Biden has become increasingly critical of Israel’s operation in Gaza against Hamas terrorists as the war continues to rage, and he’s now facing vocal pressure from his hard-left flank. Meanwhile, Republicans have been consistently reaffirming their support for the Jewish state, and some Democrats could join them.
A resolution spearheaded by Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) released on Thursday would oppose “efforts to place one-sided pressure on Israel with respect to Gaza, including calls for an immediate cease-fire,” citing Biden’s own call for a ceasefire and the decision for the United States not to veto a United Nations Security Council call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
With previous resolutions supporting Israel’s right to defend itself, several Democrats have joined with Republicans, including for an Israel aid bill that did not include funds for Ukraine or humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Two Democrats, Reps. Jared Golden (D-ME) and Don Davis (D-NC), have indicated to Axios they will vote for the resolution, while others told the outlet the resolution is a “partisan political resolution.”
Rep. Dan Kildee (D-MI) told the outlet he thinks “there could be a few” defections when the resolution is voted on but that the measure is “pretty bad.”
The legislation is expected to be voted on next week and will be the latest resolution on the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza but the first one to take aim at Biden’s handling of the conflict.
The war in Gaza was sparked by Hamas terrorist attacks against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.