Democrats in the South Florida congressional delegation, all of whom are outspoken supporters of Israel, split over legislation that would force a transfer of U.S. weapons to Israel that President Joe Biden had earlier paused.
Two voted “yes” and two voted “no.”
The issue in question was a move by Republicans who control the House of Representatives to cause political pain for President Joe Biden and other Democrats by highlighting Democratic divisions over the Israel-Hamas war.
Seeking to discourage Israel from its offensive on the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah and avoid the potential for massive casualties among Palestinian civilians, the Biden administration this month put on hold a weapons shipment of 3,500 bombs capable of killing hundreds in populated areas. The stated purpose of the The Israel Security Assistance Support Act was to require delivery of the weapons.
