In a press conference held on the steps of the Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized President Biden and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer for blocking U.S. military aid to Israel during its conflict with Hamas. The House is expected to vote on a bill that would compel the delivery of bombs to Israel, as Republicans aim to highlight divisions within the Democratic party regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

The controversy surrounding the blocked military aid comes after the Biden administration paused a shipment of 3,500 bombs, some weighing as much as 2,000 pounds, capable of causing significant damage in populated areas. This move by the administration drew sharp criticism from Republicans, who accused Biden of abandoning America's closest ally in the Middle East.

Johnson, referring to Biden's use of executive privilege to withhold subpoenaed audio recordings of his interview with former special counsel Robert Hur, accused the President of prioritizing his political interests over supporting Israel. Johnson argued that Biden's decision to block the delivery of congressionally mandated aid was a catastrophic mistake with global implications.

The House is set to vote on legislation condemning Biden's pause on the bomb shipment. The bill also includes provisions to withhold funding for the State Department, Department of Defense, and the National Security Council until the delivery is made. However, even if it passes both houses of Congress, the White House has stated that Biden would veto it.

Seeking to discourage Israel's offensive in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, the Biden administration halted the bomb shipment, a move that further escalated tensions within the Democratic party. Moderate Democrats expressed frustration at any perceived distance between the U.S. and Israel, while progressive members criticized the administration for continuing to send any weapons at all.

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise joined Johnson in criticizing Biden's handling of the situation, highlighting Iran's aggressive actions against Israel and the plight of American hostages held by Hamas. Scalise condemned Biden for seemingly supporting Hamas' stance against Israel.

The bill's rushed passage to the House floor by GOP leadership exposes the deep divisions in Washington regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The White House and Democratic leadership are scrambling to gather support from a House caucus with a wide range of opinions on the matter.

While it remains to be seen how the vote will unfold and whether the bill will gain traction in the Senate, this issue underscores the complex dynamics and differing perspectives within the U.S. government regarding military aid to Israel. As the debate continues, the pressure is mounting on Biden and Schumer to address the concerns raised by their critics.

In the midst of this political turmoil, the fate of the U.S.-Israel alliance hangs in the balance, with Israel desperately needing the resources to defend itself against radical terrorists. The global implications of this decision demand attention, as the world watches how the U.S. responds to its closest Middle East ally's call for support in their fight against terrorism.