Speaker rebukes Biden's handling of Israeli war, says ceasefire was 'despite' WH not 'because of it'

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday condemned President Joe Biden's handling of the war in Israel, stating that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was "despite" the White House and "not because of it." 

Biden announced on Tuesday that the ceasefire agreement, which was facilitated by the United States and France, would take effect early Wednesday. The ceasefire gives Israel 60 days to pull its forces out of Lebanon, which will occur gradually to give Lebanese forces time to mobilize and move in to the area.

Johnson chastised the current administration's response to the war, which he claimed included withholding weapons to Israel that were necessary to defeat the terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah. Hamas started the war last year after invading Israel.

"While the Biden-Harris Administration celebrates this announcement, remember that it is STILL withholding weapons to Israel," Johnson posted to X. "This Administration put up roadblock after roadblock on Israel and dragged out this conflict. They repeatedly appeased Iran rather than show unequivocal support to our closest ally in the region.

"Israel’s military success has been in spite of the White House, not because of it," he continued. "We always hope for peace in the region, and still do during this 60-day ceasefire. But it is President Trump’s Administration that will pave the way to lasting peace, because peace only comes through STRENGTH."

The goal of the ceasefire agreement is to permanently end the war in Israel, the president said. While Israel will slowly pull its forces from Lebanon, Hezbollah is expected to pull its forces and heavy weapons to the Litani River, located about 20 miles away from the Israeli border.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.