FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rep. Green Condemns Biden Administration for Abandoning Israel in Critical Hour

WASHINGTON—Today, Mark Green, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, released the following statement regarding the Biden administration’s decision to pause U.S.-manufactured ammunition shipments to Israel: 

“President Biden’s decision to pause arms sales to Israel is unconscionable. This decision sends the wrong signal to the world—especially our shared adversaries, like Iran and Iranian-backed Hamas—when in reality, the American people overwhelmingly support aiding Israel as demonstrated by Congress’ passage of aid to Israel only weeks ago. This isn’t how you treat an ally in their critical hour. This isn’t how you stand by your indispensable security partners. And this isn’t how you lead on the world stage. 

It is in America’s interest to support Israel. Israel’s security is America’s security. Our partnership and shared intelligence with the IDF is crucial to combating terrorism and securing the U.S. homeland. Israel fights terrorists abroad so we don’t have to fight them at home. President Biden must reverse his decision immediately.”

Background as reported in the Wall Street Journal: At issue is the sale of up to 6,500 Joint Direct Attack Munitions. Congress was told at the beginning of the year about the $260 million sale, but the deal has been delayed ever since. When arms deals to other countries are above a certain dollar amount, the State Department is required to notify Congress. Because the Biden administration has yet to do so, the deal is effectively on hold. 

###