Republican Senator Tom Cotton has called for the impeachment of President Biden after reports indicated that aid to Israel was delayed during its conflict with Hamas. Cotton referenced the Trump-Ukraine precedent of withholding foreign aid to influence reelection campaigns as justification for Biden’s impeachment. The aid package, which included funds for Israel and humanitarian aid for Gaza, had been encouraged by the Biden administration six months prior. The delay in aid to Israel was seen as an attempt by Biden to balance the interests of a divided Democratic Party on the issue of the Israel war.
Reports earlier this week suggested that the U.S. had paused a shipment of ammunition to Israel, a claim denied by White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. However, it was later confirmed by a U.S. official that shipments of two types of precision bombs to Israel had been paused. The administration raised concerns about the potential impact of these bombs in densely populated urban areas. Biden emphasized that he would not supply weapons for use in certain areas, should Israel launch a major ground operation in those areas.
The delay in aid to Israel has led to calls for Biden’s impeachment by Republicans, drawing comparisons to Trump’s impeachment in 2019 on charges of abuse of power. Cotton argued that the same precedent should apply to Biden, given the delay in shipments of aid to Israel. The impeachment proceedings against Trump had accused him of withholding aid to Ukraine while seeking to investigate his political rivals, including Biden. The Senate had ultimately acquitted Trump on these charges.
As the controversy surrounding the delayed aid to Israel continues, the White House has not confirmed details of the delay when prompted by the media. Republicans in the House have been aggressive in their investigations of Biden’s family business ties, particularly with regards to his son Hunter Biden. The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, chaired by James Comer, has not provided comment on the issue. The potential impeachment of Biden remains a topic of discussion among Republicans, with the Trump campaign refraining from immediate comment.
In light of the aid delay and the ongoing investigation into Biden’s family business ties, there is growing pressure on the White House to address concerns about the administration’s handling of the situation. The delay in aid to Israel has raised questions about the administration’s commitment to the country and its ability to navigate issues surrounding the conflict with Hamas. As the controversy unfolds, Republicans like Cotton are pushing for Biden’s impeachment, citing parallels to the Trump impeachment in 2019. The situation remains fluid as both parties weigh their next steps amidst escalating tensions.
