After a suspected rocket attack injured U.S. service members at Iraq’s Al-Asad Airbase, Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) called on President Biden to expedite the release of weapons to Israel.
He stressed that, given the ongoing threats to both U.S. troops and Israel from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, the U.S. should act swiftly to defend its servicemembers and support its key ally.
Johnson argued that any aggression by Iran against Israel or the U.S. must be met with decisive military force, and urged collaboration with regional allies to send a clear message against these hostile activities.
Speaker of US House of Rep. Johnson warned that Iran’s engagement in or support for further attacks would lead to severe economic, military, and international repercussions
Johnson also criticized the Biden-Harris administration for what he described as a prolonged pressure campaign on Israel, which he believes has escalated tensions. He insisted that the President should immediately release all previously withheld weapons to Israel to strengthen its defense capabilities and deter Iranian threats.
Johnson warned of severe economic, military, and international consequences if Iran engages in or supports further attacks. Although the Defense Department did not immediately identify the culprits behind the rocket attack, Iranian-backed militants have previously threatened U.S. forces.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Biden of delivering military aid to Israel at a slow pace, but the State Department has clarified that weapons are being supplied under normal processes, rather than the expedited procedures used after the October 7 Hamas attack.
When asked about fast-tracking weapons shipments, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby stated that there had been no change in policy. While Biden had earlier paused the delivery of heavy bombs due to concerns about the impact on Gaza, those shipments have since resumed.
Despite Biden’s frustration with Netanyahu’s continued military actions, the administration has recently deployed significant military resources to the Middle East to bolster defenses against potential Iranian threats. The White House has yet to respond to Johnson’s remarks.
