Some of the major donors who support Israel and contributed to President Biden’s campaign have expressed their dissatisfaction with his choice to suspend weapon deliveries to Israel following the possibility of military action in Rafah, a region in southern Gaza controlled by Hamas.
Israeli American Democratic megadonor Haim Saban expressed his strong disapproval in an email to White House officials, characterising the decision as highly unfavourable. He expressed his concerns regarding the message it conveys to allies in the region and beyond.
Mark Mellman, another advocate for the Democratic Party, voiced his criticism of the decision, emphasising its significance as a shift in U.S. policy. He also brought attention to concerns within the pro-Israel community.
During a CNN interview, President Biden made it clear that if Israel goes ahead with its plans, they will not receive weapons that have been traditionally used in dealing with Rafah. Nevertheless, he emphasised his unwavering commitment to Israel’s security, specifically in relation to the Iron Dome defence system.
The decision has ignited a heated debate, with differing opinions on its motivations and implications. There are also concerns about the potential impact on civilians in Gaza, where Hamas militants are using hostages as shields.
Saban’s email to Biden criticised the administration for deviating from its objective of defeating Hamas and yielding to political influence. Mellman shared similar thoughts, expressing doubt about the potential political outcomes of the decision.
The House Oversight Committee has initiated an investigation into the administration’s handling of the situation, highlighting the significance of the issue within U.S. politics.
Currently, there has been no response from the White House regarding requests for comment on the matter.