Rep. Ritchie Torres (R-New York) criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday after he attacked President Biden in a video message, accusing him of withholding weapons supplies to Israel at the height of Israel’s war with Hamas.
Netanyahu’s message included Biden repeatedly claiming he has withheld weapons from Israel and accusing the president of backing Hamas and Iran. The White House has pushed back, pointing to Israel’s record of consistently supporting Israel in conflicts.
“If they want to undermine bipartisanship in U.S.-Israel relations, they should release a public video attacking the Biden administration, which has remained steadfast in its support for Israel for eight months despite hysterical opposition from the far left,” Torres said. Post to X.
Torres is an ardent supporter of Israel, having left the Congressional Progressive Caucus in February amid internal divisions over Israel policy.
“Differences should be conducted privately,” he added. “Hamas would be emboldened by even the appearance of a breakdown in relations.”
Asked about Netanyahu’s comments, White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters: “We have no idea what he’s talking about. We have no idea.”
A White House official told The Hill that a meeting with Israeli officials “took place” this week following the remarks.
The exchange marks the latest example of tensions between the Biden administration and Netanyahu spilling over into the public as Israel wages its war against Hamas.
Democrats, including Biden, have grown frustrated with the war in Gaza, where more than 37,000 people have been killed as Israel fights to destroy Hamas, which invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostages.
The White House has for months urged Israel to do more to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians and humanitarian workers in Gaza, and polls have shown growing dissatisfaction with Biden’s handling of the conflict.
Biden warned last month that he would stop supplies of offensive weapons such as bombs and artillery shells if Israel launched its long-promised invasion of Rafah, but the White House has insisted Israel has not crossed any red lines, even after Israeli attacks killed dozens of Palestinians in the southern Gaza city.
Netanyahu’s remarks came as he was scheduled to address parliament on July 24. A growing number of Democrats, both progressive and mainstream, have indicated they intend to boycott or protest the visit.
Brett Samuels assisted.
