Speaker Johnson Issues Warning To Biden

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has urged President Biden to expedite the delivery of weapons to Israel following a recent rocket attack that injured several U.S. service members at the Al-Asad Airbase in Iraq. In a statement released on Tuesday, Johnson emphasized the need for decisive action in light of the growing threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.

Johnson asserted that the U.S. must take a firm stand to protect both American troops and its ally, Israel. He criticized the current administration’s approach to Iranian aggression and highlighted concerns that Biden’s policies might have contributed to the escalating tensions. “The U.S. cannot afford to waver in defending our servicemembers and our crucial ally. We need to respond with strength and clarity against Iran and its terror proxies,” Johnson stated.

He further stressed that any Iranian aggression towards Israel or the U.S. should be met with substantial force. Johnson called for a comprehensive strategy involving the U.S. and its regional allies to counter Iran’s malign activities effectively. He also criticized the Biden administration for its previous delay in arms shipments to Israel, attributing the situation to a months-long pressure campaign against the Jewish state.

“President Biden must immediately release all weapons that were previously withheld or delayed. It is vital that Israel receives the support it needs to defend its people and deter Iranian threats,” Johnson said. He also advocated for clear economic, military, and international consequences should Iran engage in or support any further attacks.

While the Pentagon has not yet identified the perpetrators of the rocket attack, Iranian-backed militants have been known to target U.S. forces in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of military support from the U.S., suggesting that the aid has been insufficient. The State Department, however, has indicated that weapons deliveries are being handled through standard procedures, with no current plans to expedite shipments.

Despite Biden’s earlier decision to pause the delivery of certain heavy munitions due to concerns about the impact on Gaza, these shipments resumed last month. The administration has recently bolstered military assets in the Middle East to enhance defenses against potential Iranian aggression, even as tensions with Netanyahu and the ongoing conflict with Hamas continue to strain U.S.-Israel relations.