On Thursday, the front page of the New York Post shouted, "BETRAYED," with a photo of Biden and Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu. "Biden vows to cut off weapons if Israel tries to finish off Hamas," the headline read.
Within the US government, members of both major US parties are fuming: Axios reported that Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) sent Biden a letter on Wednesday, in which they demanded details about his decision - by the end of the week.
In a social media post, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) wrote, "As the leader of the free world, America cannot claim that its commitment to Israel is 'iron-clad' and then proceed to withhold aid from Israel."
"The mixed messaging makes a mockery of our credibility as an ally. No one will take our word seriously."
He told Axios that he suspects the move is "pandering to the far left. It looks like election year politics was driving it. That's my impression. I'd like the president to do right by Israel and recognize that the far left is not representative of the rest of the country."
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) told Axios, "I strenuously disagree ... We have to stand with our key ally throughout all of this."
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) noted to the site that Israel is "surrounded by danger, they need the tools to defend themselves." In his opinion, the US "should fulfill our obligation" to Israel and send the weapons.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) admitted to Axios that Biden's decision aims to pressure Israel, and send a "message" about the use of force against Hamas. But, he noted, "Hamas is also getting the message ... and that means the war is going to go on."
