'The Squad' takes victory lap over Biden's Israel crackdown: 'Protesting is working'

WASHINGTON (TND) — Members of the ultra-progressive congressional group “The Squad” on Wednesday cheered the Biden administration’s decision to halt weapons shipments to Israel.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed Wednesday the U.S. recently decided to withhold crucial weapons from Israel. He asserted the move has no bearing on the country's “ironclad” support of the Jewish state.

“We’re going to continue to do what’s necessary to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself,” the Pentagon chief said. “But that said, we are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of unfolding events in Rafah.”

Reacting to the news was Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who said such a step was the right move.

“President Biden enforcing conditions on US military aid and holding the Israeli gov to the same bar we hold all our allies to is the responsible, secure, and just thing to do,” she said on X. “@POTUS’s historic shift to include Israel in US standards makes the world safer and our values clear."

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., said the Biden administration’s move proves demonstrations in favor of Palestine across the country are working.

Senate Republicans on Thursday held a press conference decrying the decision.

“Joe Biden’s de facto position is for a Hamas victory over Israel,” Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said. “Hamas wins if it survives in Rafah and Joe Biden has threatened to withhold weapons from Israel for fighting in Rafah. Therefore, Joe Biden objectively favors a Hamas victory over Israel.”

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However, even some Democrats share the Republicans' sentiments. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., on Tuesday shared his outrage after learning of the Biden administration’s decision.

“I strongly disagree with this decision and it should be immediately reversed,” he said.

Follow Jackson Walker on X at @_jlwalker_ for the latest trending national news. Have a news tip? Send it to jacwalker@sbgtv.com.

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