House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has called on President Biden to release any existing holds on U.S. lethal aid to Israel and expedite the delivery of previously withheld aid following an attack on an American military base in Iraq. Johnson emphasized the importance of defending American servicemembers and supporting Israel, which is facing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
Johnson condemned any potential attacks by Iran on Israel or American interests, stating that such actions would be unjustified and met with decisive force. He attributed the recent aggression from Tehran to what he described as a 'months-long pressure campaign against Israel from the Biden-Harris Administration.'
Recent tensions in the region escalated after an Iran-backed militia launched rockets at Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq, injuring several U.S. personnel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed the attack with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, highlighting the dangerous escalation and Iran's destabilizing role in the region.
The situation in the Middle East has been further complicated by the suspected Israeli assassination of Hamas' top political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month, prompting threats of retaliation from Iran. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has also drawn criticism, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the Biden administration of withholding critical lethal aid to the Israeli military.
The Biden administration reportedly paused a shipment of bombs to Israel in May and threatened further withholdings during a recent interview. Despite calls for increased support for Israel, the U.S. was still withholding a 2,000lb bomb shipment as of late last month, according to Pentagon officials.
As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, Johnson urged the White House to provide full support to Israel and take decisive actions against Iran and its proxies. The need for a united front among America, its allies, and partners in the region to counter Iran's activities was emphasized as a crucial step towards maintaining stability and security in the region.
