Amid the escalating conflict in Gaza, more of President Joe Biden's top Senate allies are urging direct action to alleviate Palestinian civilian suffering and are considering cutting military aid if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not change course. What began as dissent from a few progressive Democrats has now gained momentum in response to the rising death toll in Gaza.
Even Biden's close confidant in Congress, Chris Coons, has joined calls to take a tougher stance against Netanyahu's government regarding its conduct in the war. While Israel continues to enjoy bipartisan support in Congress, the possibility of reducing military aid remains uncertain despite the growing pressure from mainstream Democrats.
The dissent within the party extends beyond the conflict in Gaza, with some Democrats seeking legislation to require congressional approval for continued military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. This move sets the stage for a potential showdown over the authority to engage in warfare.
Despite mounting concerns and increasing political opposition, particularly among Muslim and Arab American voters, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Democratic caucus have refrained from taking concrete action on the U.S. role in the Middle East conflicts. However, there is a growing sentiment that the Biden administration's support for Israel's actions in Gaza and Netanyahu's perceived disregard for U.S. demands are untenable.
Recent events, including the killing of over 100 Palestinians during a food delivery, have spurred more Biden allies in the Senate to speak out. Calls to cut military aid to Israel, deploy humanitarian aid to Gaza, and reassess U.S. strikes on the Houthis have gained traction among Democratic senators.
Lawmakers have sent multiple letters to the administration urging changes in the conduct of the war, with discussions ongoing about potential shifts in U.S. policy. Biden's allies in Congress are emphasizing that Netanyahu's handling of the conflict is not aligned with U.S. interests and have called for more precision in Israeli airstrikes to avoid civilian casualties.
While the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has not advanced legislation related to the region since the conflict began, there are ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and promote peace in the Middle East. The House Foreign Affairs Committee has also put forth bipartisan bills targeting Iranian officials over their support for armed groups.
As tensions persist in the region, senators are actively engaging in discussions to determine the best course of action moving forward. The focus remains on finding diplomatic solutions to mitigate civilian suffering and promote stability in the Middle East.
