On September 23, 2021, United States Representative Bill Johnson criticized President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer over the delay in delivering the promised military aid to Israel. The delay resulted primarily from internal political disputes within the U.S. Senate. He accused both figures and their parties of allowing the blocking of crucial bomb deliveries to Israel due to political disagreements, instead of prioritizing America’s ally’s security needs.
Johnson’s criticism coincided with a House vote that aimed to force delivery of the crucial defense items to Israel. Most Republicans, including Johnson, argue that refusing or delaying the aid to Israel could potentially jeopardize the country’s security, undermining its ability to defend itself against threats in the volatile Middle East.
The proposed $1 billion in aid was meant for restoring Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, which was significantly used during the conflict with Hamas in May. The restoration of this system is vital for Israel, enabling it to defend against incoming missile attacks more effectively.
Speaking on this issue, Johnson argued that it was a moral imperative for the U.S. as a leading democratic nation to support its Israeli ally, noting that the Iron Dome is solely a defensive system that has saved countless lives. He believes that any hindrance in delivering this aid to Israel depicts a worrying shift in Democrat’s policies towards Israel.
It’s important to note that while some Democrats do question the extent of U.S. support for Israel, many continue to support the need to provide the necessary defense aid. The