The US House of Representatives, led by Republicans, voted to pass a bill on Thursday aimed at forcing President Joe Biden to allow the delivery of high-payload bombs to Israel, despite his concerns over potential Palestinian casualties.
The bill, known as the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, prevents Biden from freezing any militarily-approved aid to Israel, including 3,500 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs.
Republicans argue that Biden has no right to interfere with Israel's military campaign, while Democrats label the bill a partisan stunt that infringes on the president's foreign policy abilities.
The bill has no chance of becoming law.
Sixteen Democratic lawmakers voted with Republicans to pass a bill in the House of Representatives, despite it being dead on arrival in the Democratic-led Senate and with a promised veto from President Biden.
The bill came in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which began after Hamas militant attacks on Israel resulted in over 1,170 civilian deaths, according to Israeli official figures.
Israel's military response has resulted in over 35,233 civilian deaths in Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The White House has expressed concern over the rising civilian death toll, particularly during Israel's ground assault on Rafah.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, warned that if Israel leaves the Gaza Strip, it could lead to chaos and potential insurgency by Hamas.
Republican House Speaker Mike
Johnson criticized President Biden for not stopping Iran's attack on Israel last month and for withholding weapons from Israel during the current conflict.
Johnson accused Biden of "carrying water" for Hamas while doing nothing to prevent Iran's nuclear buildup.
The White House has announced a large arms package worth over $1 billion for Israel, which includes tank and mortar ammunition.
This move comes as the administration takes a stance against Iran and its proxies' terrorism and atrocities.
Pro-Israel Democrats in Congress have used this news as justification to reject a bill related to the issue.