US senator slams Biden administration for not punishing Israel over Gaza aid

In a growing rift between Congress and the Biden administration, Senator Elizabeth Warren has publicly criticized the White House for its failure to take action against Israel over unmet demands for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Despite Washington’s threat to suspend military assistance, official Israeli figures show that aid to Gaza has dropped to its lowest level in 11 months, prompting international concern. This development has sparked bipartisan disapproval in the U.S. as lawmakers from both parties push for a more robust response.

The Ultimatum and Its Aftermath

On October 13, 2024, the Biden administration issued a stern ultimatum to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: improve humanitarian aid to Gaza within 30 days or face potential consequences, including cuts to military support. However, as the deadline expired on November 12, humanitarian organizations reported that Israel had not made significant progress in meeting the aid targets set by Washington. Food security experts warned that famine was imminent in parts of Gaza, yet the U.S. administration refrained from taking punitive measures, claiming that Israel had made “limited progress” without violating U.S. law.

Warren’s Sharp Criticism

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a progressive Democrat from Massachusetts, has been vocal about her disappointment with the Biden administration’s response. She endorsed a joint resolution of disapproval in Congress, a move aimed at pressuring the administration to enforce its demands. In a statement, Warren said:

“Thirty days later, the Biden administration acknowledged that Israel’s actions had not significantly expanded food, water, and basic necessities for desperate Palestinian civilians. Despite Netanyahu’s failure to meet the United States’ demands, the Biden administration has taken no action to restrict the flow of offensive weapons.”

Warren’s criticism reflects broader concerns about U.S. credibility and the implications of failing to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza. She described the administration’s failure to act as a “grave mistake” that “undermines American credibility worldwide.”

Bipartisan Pressure on the Administration

Warren’s remarks come amid increasing pressure from within Congress. Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont also condemned the administration’s inaction and announced plans to bring new joint resolutions aimed at blocking specific weapon sales to Israel. Sanders stated:

“There is no longer any doubt that Netanyahu’s extremist government is in clear violation of U.S. and international law as it wages a barbaric war against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

Additionally, 15 senators and 69 House members have called for stronger actions against Israeli officials linked to the rising violence and destabilization in the West Bank. The focus has been on Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose policies have been linked to increasing settler violence and expansion of settlements in Palestinian territories.

The Broader Implications: U.S. Credibility and International Law

The controversy surrounding the U.S. administration’s handling of the Gaza situation is part of a larger debate about America’s role in the Middle East and its relationship with Israel. Critics argue that by failing to hold Israel accountable, the Biden administration is sending a dangerous message about the enforcement of international law and human rights standards.

Humanitarian groups have warned that the situation in Gaza is dire, with reports of severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Meanwhile, Israel has continued its military operations, and international calls for a ceasefire have largely been ignored. Warren’s condemnation echoes concerns about the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region, especially as the administration’s inaction has raised questions about its commitment to global human rights.

What Will It Take for the Biden Administration to Take Action?

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the question remains: How long can the Biden administration ignore calls from Congress and human rights groups to hold Israel accountable? Will the growing discontent among U.S. lawmakers force a change in policy, or will the status quo persist despite mounting pressure?

These questions highlight the shifting dynamics within U.S. politics and the increasingly critical role Congress plays in shaping U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and Palestine.