In a latest move to pressure President Joe Biden over his handling of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the House is set to vote on a GOP-led bill on Thursday. The bill aims to ensure the delivery of defensive weapons to Israel and would prohibit Biden from withholding approved weapons transfers.

Under the proposed legislation, any weapons that have been held back by the Biden administration would be required to be delivered to Israel within 15 days of the bill's enactment. To exert further pressure, the bill also includes provisions to cut off funds from key executive-branch entities such as the State Department, the Defense Department, and the National Security Council until withheld weapons are sent to Israel.

The House vote on this bill is expected to reveal divisions within the Democratic Party, as Democratic leaders are whipping their caucus to vote against it. However, it is unlikely to be considered in the Democratic-led Senate. Furthermore, the White House has already announced that President Biden would veto the bill if it were to pass in Congress.

The House vote comes after President Biden made remarks during an interview where he mentioned the possibility of halting some shipments of American weapons to Israel in the event of a major invasion of Rafah. This statement by Biden has faced pushback from lawmakers in both parties, with concerns about the impact on civilians in the densely populated areas of Rafah.

Despite the pause on certain arms transfers, it is worth noting that the Biden administration has recently initiated the early stages of a new $1 billion arms deal for Israel, according to congressional sources. This move signals the administration's ongoing support for Israel's defensive capabilities.

The House bill also includes condemnation of the Biden administration's decision to pause certain arms transfers, urging that all previously approved arms transfers proceed quickly. However, Democratic Representative Adam Smith cautioned against the bill, stating it would have significant national security impacts. Smith argued that restricting the president's ability to make foreign policy decisions regarding pauses in weapons transfers would set a dangerous precedent, removing necessary oversight and accountability for arms sales.

As the conflict continues and tensions rise, Israel has reportedly amassed troops at the edge of Rafah. While uncertainty remains regarding whether Israel will proceed with a full-scale incursion against Biden's wishes, the situation adds further complexity to the ongoing debate on arms transfers to the region.

The House vote on the GOP bill is expected to serve as a platform for discussions on Biden's foreign policy approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As divisions within the Democratic Party become more apparent, the outcome of the vote will shed light on the stance of lawmakers on this critical issue.