US Representative Michael McCaul , Republican and chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , has called on President Joe Biden to expedite crucial weapons shipments to Israel .
The appeal, made in a letter, highlights a stalled transfer of 2,000-pound bombs, halted for months due to human rights concerns. McCaul however noted that the time to act is now with rising tensions in the region, Reuters reported.
“I urge you to act today to ensure all weapons shipments to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs, are expedited to support our ally,” McCaul wrote in the letter.
“We all wish Israel did not need these larger bombs, but they are operationally necessary,” McCaul’s letter highlighted. He pointed to the reality that both Hamas and Hezbollah are employing extensive subterranean tunnels and bunkers, necessitating bombs with the power to penetrate fortified underground structures. The weapons McCaul referred to, 2,000-pound bombs capable of devastating entire fortified areas, remain ready to be shipped but have yet to receive clearance.
The delay, which has now stretched over four months, stems from concerns raised earlier this year regarding civilian casualties in densely populated Gaza. These bombs, designed to rip through thick concrete and metal, could wreak havoc in urban areas. Human rights advocates have been vocal in urging restraint, cautioning against the use of such heavy weaponry in regions where civilians could bear the brunt of the impact.
However, McCaul is not alone in his calls. Many Republicans have urged the Biden administration to rethink its stance on halting the bomb shipments, arguing that Israel’s safety and its strategic position in the region should come first.
“Allow these weapons, which are ready to ship, to be sent to Israel immediately,” McCaul said. His appeal comes amid fears of an expanding conflict, with Hezbollah’s involvement and Iran’s missile barrage raising the specter of a wider regional war.
For months, Israel has been locked in an escalating battle with Hamas in Gaza, but more recently, its focus has shifted northward as Israeli forces target Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been a longstanding adversary of Israel. The fragile truce seems to be on the brink of collapse, with Iran launching over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this week. The Israeli government has sworn a forceful retaliation.
The Biden administration, for its part, has remained silent on McCaul’s letter so far. But with the escalating situation in the Middle East and increasing pressure from Republicans in Congress, the White House may soon have to make a difficult choice.
The appeal, made in a letter, highlights a stalled transfer of 2,000-pound bombs, halted for months due to human rights concerns. McCaul however noted that the time to act is now with rising tensions in the region, Reuters reported.
“I urge you to act today to ensure all weapons shipments to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs, are expedited to support our ally,” McCaul wrote in the letter.
“We all wish Israel did not need these larger bombs, but they are operationally necessary,” McCaul’s letter highlighted. He pointed to the reality that both Hamas and Hezbollah are employing extensive subterranean tunnels and bunkers, necessitating bombs with the power to penetrate fortified underground structures. The weapons McCaul referred to, 2,000-pound bombs capable of devastating entire fortified areas, remain ready to be shipped but have yet to receive clearance.
The delay, which has now stretched over four months, stems from concerns raised earlier this year regarding civilian casualties in densely populated Gaza. These bombs, designed to rip through thick concrete and metal, could wreak havoc in urban areas. Human rights advocates have been vocal in urging restraint, cautioning against the use of such heavy weaponry in regions where civilians could bear the brunt of the impact.
However, McCaul is not alone in his calls. Many Republicans have urged the Biden administration to rethink its stance on halting the bomb shipments, arguing that Israel’s safety and its strategic position in the region should come first.
“Allow these weapons, which are ready to ship, to be sent to Israel immediately,” McCaul said. His appeal comes amid fears of an expanding conflict, with Hezbollah’s involvement and Iran’s missile barrage raising the specter of a wider regional war.
For months, Israel has been locked in an escalating battle with Hamas in Gaza, but more recently, its focus has shifted northward as Israeli forces target Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been a longstanding adversary of Israel. The fragile truce seems to be on the brink of collapse, with Iran launching over 180 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this week. The Israeli government has sworn a forceful retaliation.
The Biden administration, for its part, has remained silent on McCaul’s letter so far. But with the escalating situation in the Middle East and increasing pressure from Republicans in Congress, the White House may soon have to make a difficult choice.
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