Cole Criticizes Biden Administration’s Pause of Weapon Transfers to Israel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |CONTACT: Olivia Porcaro 202-225-6165

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement in response to the news that the Biden Administration is withholding arms shipments to Israel:

“I am outraged at the Biden Administration’s decision to pause very critical weapon transfers to our friend, Israel. In fact, utilizing these weapon transfers as a leverage tool over Israel’s military decisions during this critical time is both dangerous and self-defeating. Moreover, withholding arms to Israel has our adversaries celebrating, as it weakens Israel’s deterrence against Iran, as well as Hamas and Hezbollah, two Iranian proxies and terrorist organizations that are deadly enemies of both the United States and Israel,” said Congressman Cole.

“As Israel’s friend and ally, the United States should not try to dictate its military strategy or control its domestic politics. Yet, per usual, the Biden Administration is on the wrong side of this, as they are trying to do both,” said Congressman Cole.

“Israel is an independent and sovereign nation, as well as our closest ally in the Middle East. It is currently under assault by Hamas and Iran. However, let me make this clear – Israel was not the aggressor, as it was Hamas that originally attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and not only ruthlessly murdered over 1,200 Israelis, but also still holds over one hundred hostages, some of whom are American,” said Congressman Cole. “I am calling on President Biden to reverse his pause of weapon transfers to Israel. It is past time for him to stop appeasing terrorists and stand with Israel. To do anything else is a betrayal to our friends in Israel and is a gift to an enemy of civilized people all around the world.”

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