Mast Ridicules Decision to Stop Arms Transfer With Israel

Earlier this year, Florida Rep. Brian Mast (R) took part in a Foreign Affairs Committee hearing wherein he grilled Dr. Bonnie Jenkins, the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Dr. Jenkins, who has served in the role since July 22, 2021, has just halted arms transfer to Israel. Rep. Mast, calling into question Dr. Jenkins, is ridiculing the decision to stop arms transfer with Israel.

The war between Israel and Hamas rages on, and Republicans, more than ever, remain committed to standing beside Israel. However, in the Biden Administration, Republicans see a threat that could negatively impact Israel.

During the February hearing, Dr. Jenkins shared her support for a Palestinian state, which Rep. Mast quickly questioned as he sought to understand her assessment of the conflict.

When questioned if Dr. Jenkins had “analyzed that support objectively,” she answered that she had.

Then, when asked who would lead the Palestinian state, she responded with “I think that has to be something that’s considered. I don’t think I’m in the position to say right now… this is part of a larger discussion.”

When further pressed if she had assessed the leadership role, she admitted that “there will be an assessment of this question within the U.S. government.”

“So, you came here supporting something you have not assessed?” Rep. Mast questioned.

After the hearing, the Florida Republican penned a blog article titled "No Logic in the Biden Administration," further questioning the Biden Administration’s commitment to Israel as the war ensues.

“This just shows how little planning happens before the Biden Administration announces a policy,” Rep. Mast wrote. “They are driven 100% by political security rather than national security.”

Rep. Mast is the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Oversight and Accountability, and he affirmed that he will do everything in his power “to call the Biden Administration out for its foolish decisions that are based on NO objective, NO assessment and NO logic.”