The New York City Democratic Party was largely silent Thursday after President Biden announced he would suspend some military aid to Israel to thwart the attack on Hamas-controlled Rafah — a leftist “squad” of House members. Members of Congress were openly celebrating, but many other members of Congress did not say anything publicly.
“Protests are working. Let’s keep fighting for #CeasefireNow,” tweeted Rep. Jamal Bowman of the Bronx and Westchester, who has been an outspoken supporter of anti-Israel demonstrators at Columbia University and elsewhere. did.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of the Bronx and Queens also praised Biden for telling CNN that he was “not supplying weapons” for an attack on Hamas’ last major stronghold in the Gaza Strip. .
“Biden has not ‘lost his mind’. He is keeping America’s word,” Ocasio-Cortez said. I wrote to X Mr. Biden acknowledged that the United States was withholding shipments of 2,000 pounds of precision bombs and considering a moratorium on artillery bombardment.
“1.3 million people live in Rafah. We don’t need to slaughter them to go after Hamas. Biden said America’s red line is Rafah. It will weaken us. [and] the world won’t be safe [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu]or anyone, please cross it,” she wrote.
Brooklyn Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez Posted in X“An invasion of Rafah would exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and endanger the lives of more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering there. [Biden] You are right in making this decision. ”
South Bronx Congressman Richie Torres was one of the few dissenters in the Gotham delegation.
“As the leader of the free world, the United States cannot withhold aid from Israel while claiming that its commitment to Israel is ‘ironclad,'” Torres said. I have written. “Mixed messages make a mockery of our credibility as allies. No one will take our word seriously.”
Nassau County and Queens Rep. Tom Suozzi issued a vague statement on X “We call on the Biden administration to immediately resolve differences with our ally Israel regarding arms shipments,” it read.
New York City has more Jewish residents than any other city in the world. 1.9 million There are some of the most influential members of Congress, but the most influential members have remained publicly silent.
Those who declined immediate comment included House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-Queens).
Democratic U.S. Rep. Dan Goldman, who represents Lower Manhattan and parts of Brownstone Brooklyn, and U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-Upper Manhattan, had not posted anything on social media or their official websites as of noon Thursday. Spokespersons for both lawmakers did not respond to email requests. comment.
A Democratic Party official told the Post that many members of Congress are waiting for a formal information conference before taking a stand, but some pro-Israel Democratic Party insiders say they are wary of Biden’s position. They were furious because they deemed the backlash insufficient.
It was also not immediately clear where Queens Rep. Grace Meng, Brooklyn Rep. Yvette Clark, and Bronx-Manhattan Rep. Adriano Espaira stood on the issue. .
New York City’s only Republican lawmaker, Staten Island Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, criticized Biden for pivoting.
“In an overwhelming bipartisan vote, Congress has authorized sending aid to our dear ally Israel, but it is not up to President Biden to decide on what terms that aid will be sent,” Malliotakis said in a statement. said.
“He needs to stop playing politics and appease the radicals in his party who are siding with Iran and Hamas.”
Long Island Republican Reps. Anthony D’Esposito, Andrew Garbarino and Nick Larota also criticized Biden, as did Mike Lawler, a Republican whose district includes parts of the Hudson Valley.
Garbarino said Biden is “emboldening Hamas while weakening Israel’s call for the release of hostages.”
“Biden’s decision, driven by political motivations to appease a disillusioned progressive base and secure Michigan’s electoral votes, is particularly relevant to his previous commitments to support Israel after the October 7 terrorist attacks. It’s completely contradictory,” Larota added.
“This is a complete betrayal,” Lawlor said. “With his outrageous decision, President Biden has completely abdicated his responsibilities as commander in chief and the role of the United States as Israel’s closest ally…
“It is insane to smear Israel and withhold necessary support while it fights Hamas, Iranian proxies, and Iran itself. And it is insane to do so based on purely political reasons. Would you? That would be brutal.”
“This is war, [Biden].Please grow your backbone,” he tweeted. d’espositoSarssy’s subsequent letter to the president read in part: “We look forward to a change of direction.”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who has harshly criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu but has advocated for significant U.S. military aid to Israel, did not immediately comment, nor did Democratic leader Kirsten Gilli. So did Senator Brand.
