As Israel readies for a probable ground invasion into Gaza, the Biden Administration and leading members of Congress are developing a $2 billion American aid package to back Israel’s war efforts against Hamas.
As per a Time report, the funds are earmarked for replenishing Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, artillery shells, and other munitions. The support comes at a pivotal moment for Israel, which is preparing for a prolonged offensive against Hamas following a devastating surprise attack.
“We’re heading into a war for many, many weeks, maybe several months, in which the objective is to dismantle Hamas,” Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.) said.
He anticipates this could be the highest casualty war Israel has faced since its War of Independence.
Despite bipartisan agreement on supporting Israel’s campaign against Hamas, the White House plans to link this aid to controversial causes, including military support for Ukraine and Taiwan and increased border security funding.
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“We’re in active conversations with Congress about additional funding that we know we need specifically for Israel and Ukraine," White House National Security Council Spokesman John Kirby stated.
Rep. Sherman and a senior White House official expect President Joe Biden to send a formal request to Congress over this supplementary Israel funding soon. However, a split in Congress over support for Ukraine could potentially complicate the passage of this bill.
The aid request follows a massive intelligence and military failure in Israel, leading to a multi-front attack by Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to wage a war against Hamas, promising to “crush and eliminate” the militant group.
The escalating conflict threatens to cause further destruction and suffering in the Gaza Strip, where approximately 2.3 million Palestinians reside. Concerns have been raised over ensuring access to food, water, and medicine for Palestinian civilians during the conflict.
Photo via Shutterstock.
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