WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — Lawmakers are back on Capitol Hill, and the battle in Congress over Israel’s war in Gaza rages on.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer met with the Israeli opposition leader, weeks after he spoke out against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions and encouraged Israel to elect a new leader.
“The Democratic party has become unmoored from a long tradition of bipartisan support for Israel,” Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said.
McConnell criticized Democrats, who are now threatening to withhold military aid from Israel unless Israel helps get humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“America cannot afford to lose moral clarity about the conflict,” McConnell said.
But Congress and the president face growing public pressure to stop sending support to Israel.
“Stop funding the genocide in Gaza,” a protestor said during a Congressional briefing.
Administration officials are hearing from protesters at every turn. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was interrupted during a Senate hearing Tuesday.
“Enough is enough. How many children have to die?” another protestor asked.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S continues talks with Israel.
“That would result in an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages and also creating better conditions for surging assistance to those who need it in Gaza,” Blinken said.
But Netanyahu says “no force in the world” will stop Israeli troops from entering Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering. The White House says the U.S is not aware of what date Netanyahu plans to push his troops in.
“This is not the best way forward. There are better ways to go after Hamas in Rafah,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
