Republican calls for new special counsel to probe Biden’s withholding of Israel aid

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) is requesting that the Justice Department appoint a special counsel to investigate President Joe Biden for withholding military aid to Israel as House Republicans continue to criticize the president for weakening U.S. support for the Jewish state.

Tenney sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland on Wednesday asking him to appoint a special counsel to review Biden’s decision to withhold an arms transfer that included 3,500 bombs over concerns regarding the growing Israeli offensive in Rafah.

The New York Republican pointed to the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, which Biden signed into law last month, that allocated $26.38 billion to support Israel, including $4 billion to replenish the Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems and additional humanitarian aid for Gaza.

“This bill appropriated funds in support of Israel’s military operations against Hamas,” Tenney wrote. “Congressional intent with this legislation is clear: this aid is urgently needed and must be delivered as expeditiously as possible.”

“However, instead of following the law, the Biden administration has delayed the delivery of this essential aid that has already been obligated,” Tenney continued, accusing Biden of undermining the “principles of separation of powers” given to Congress.

She said the possible violation of the statute and “dangerous failure to comply with Constitutional precedent” warrants a special counsel investigation. She gave Garland until May 22 to respond to her letter.

The House is teeing up a vote on the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, a bill that condemns Biden’s decision to withhold aid and would require his administration to expedite weapons, funds, and other forms of aid within 30 days, on Wednesday.

The Biden administration told lawmakers earlier this week that it would send a new package of over $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, multiple outlets confirmed. Despite this, Republicans plan to bring their resolution to the floor in a rebuke of Biden.

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Most House Democrats are expected to oppose the bill. However, several of the 26 pro-Israel Democrats signed a letter to Biden last week saying they are “deeply concerned” about the message the aid pause “is sending to Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist proxies.”

The Washington Examiner reached out to the DOJ for comment.