White House opposes House bill to force Israeli arm shipments

The measure would force the U.S. to send bombs that have been delayed over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

The vote is likely to serve as a tricky political test for some vulnerable Democrats who have tried to toe the line between supporting Israel’s war against Hamas and the White House’s efforts to limit the impact on civilians in Gaza.

The White House has repeatedly warned Israel against a major ground operation in Rafah, though it has struggled to articulate what that would look like. Israeli forces are already in the city, though they have not yet conducted sweeping missions. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said he would go forward with an invasion with or without U.S. support.

Jean-Pierre on Monday defended Biden’s decision to pause the military shipment, noting that it included “2,000-pound bombs which can be very destructive in densely populated urban environments such as Rafah.”

“The president has been very clear: His commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad,” she said. “It is our objective as well that we plan to spend every last cent appropriated consistent with legal obligations.”