Wasserman Schultz statement regarding recent delay in U.S. weapons shipment to Israel

Washington, May 10, 2024
I spoke with senior national security White House officials yesterday and I was assured that President Biden remains committed to defeating Hamas and defending Israel, as he did directly as our Commander-in-Chief by ordering U.S. forces to take down Iranian suicide drones targeting Israel. I proudly supported President Biden’s national security supplemental package to provide Israel with the means to defend itself after six months of stalling from House Republicans, who attempted to condition aid to Israel on IRS cuts, draconian immigration proposals and slash aid by 30 percent through force of law and who have defunded programs to fight rising antisemitism. The President should clarify his stance publicly and the U.S. and Israel should resolve this miscommunication privately.

Washington D.C. – U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) released the following statement regarding the recent delay in a U.S. weapons shipment to Israel:

“In countless conversations with U.S. and Israeli officials, I have underscored the importance of resolving policy disagreements privately to maintain a united front against Hamas. Any perceived daylight between our governments emboldens our enemies, undermines Israel’s ability to destroy Hamas’ foothold in Gaza and could be detrimental to bringing home hostages safely.

“President Biden has been ironclad in his commitment to Israel over the last seven months. His Administration must stay the course and avoid any impression that our support is wavering.

“Targeting remaining Hamas fighters while minimizing harm to civilians will require the best of our combined efforts. I share the President’s concern for Palestinian civilians used as human shields and understand the risks posed by a full-scale invasion of Rafah. However, we must remember that Hamas is eager to sacrifice as many Palestinian lives as possible and wants to maximize the civilian toll of this operation as part of their cowardly PR campaign. 

“While I was relieved to hear that the Administration has no plans to block weapons necessary to conduct Israel’s operation in Rafah, I worry that this public discourse could embolden Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and other Iran allied partners.  It also may be detrimental to ongoing hostage negotiations.

“I spoke with senior national security White House officials yesterday and I was assured that President Biden remains committed to defeating Hamas and defending Israel, as he did directly as our Commander-in-Chief by ordering U.S. forces to take down Iranian suicide drones targeting Israel.

“I proudly supported President Biden’s national security supplemental package to provide Israel with the means to defend itself after six months of stalling from House Republicans, who attempted to condition aid to Israel on IRS cuts, draconian immigration proposals and slash aid by 30 percent through force of law and who have defunded programs to fight rising antisemitism.

“The President should clarify his stance publicly and the U.S. and Israel should resolve this miscommunication privately.”