There is an increasing possibility that Israel will launch an attack on the Gaza city of Rafah. Beginning to unfoldIsrael, a small Jewish Middle Eastern nation, is increasingly reliant on U.S. weapons to achieve its long-term goal of destroying the terrorist group Hamas.

But lawmakers now say the increasingly critical arms shipments have been halted by the Biden administration without congressional approval.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, in a statement Wednesday, slammed the decision, saying it would only prolong the conflict.

“Israel is one of our closest and most important allies,” he said. “We should steadfastly support our friends as they fight for their survival. What the Biden administration is showing is the worst kind of betrayal. Saying it supports the Jewish people while withholding vital weapons and ammunition only emboldens Hamas terrorists and prolongs the fighting.”

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“President Biden needs to stop appeasing the extremist Democrats who hate America for the vote in November and release their weapons to Israel.”

Rep. Mike Rogers, chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, issued a joint statement with Rep. Michael McCaul on the matter.

“We are appalled that the Administration has suspended a critical arms shipment to Israel. Withholding weapons supplies to Israel weakens Israel's deterrence against Iran and its proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah,” said Rep. Rogers (R-Saxon County) and Rep. McCaul.

“Furthermore, this disastrous policy decision was made in secret and purposely hidden from Congress and the American people. At a time when Israel continues to negotiate in good faith to secure the release of hostages, including American citizens, the Administration's shortsighted and strategic error calls into question its 'unwavering commitment' as an ally.”

“The administration must allow these arms shipments to go ahead to uphold U.S. commitments to Israel's security and ensure Israel can defend itself and defeat Hamas.”

US officials in the Biden administration continue to maintain that there is no change in policy towards Israel.

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.