Visiting Israel in the wake of the deadliest attacks by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, the US president said he was determined to keep Washington’s decades-old promise to give its ally a “qualitative advantage” over its adversaries on the battlefield.
“We’re going to make sure you have everything you need to defend your people and your nation,” Mr. Biden said at the end of a brief solidarity visit to Israel.
“This week I intend to ask the United States Congress to provide an unprecedented package of support for Israel’s defense,” he added.
Although Israel has strong support in the US Congress, a growing number of Republican lawmakers are expressing doubts about billions of dollars in military aid to Kyiv to fight Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
A source familiar with the discussions told AFP that Mr. Biden would offer a total of $100 billion. dollar package to address Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and the migration crisis on the US-Mexico border.
The package aims to avoid confusion in the US Congress and unite the Democratic Party, which has been seeking additional aid for Ukraine for weeks, and the Republican Party, which wants to receive funds to tighten control of the country’s southern border.
In September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the US Congress to persuade Republicans to continue aid to Kyiv.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (Chuck Schumer) said on Tuesday that he will seek to approve an aid package for Israel in the next few weeks.
According to him, the package would include military, humanitarian, intelligence and diplomatic assistance.
Tensions have also increased in recent months over Taiwan, a self-governing democratic state that China claims and does not rule out one day retaking, if necessary by force.
The official US position on this geopolitical conflict is ambiguous: the United States, which only recognizes Beijing, supplies weapons to Taiwan for its self-defense. Mr. Biden has said he would support sending U.S. forces to defend the island.
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#Biden #Congress #week #grant #support #Israel
**Interview with Dr. Rachel Cohen, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cohen. In light of President Biden’s recent visit to Israel and his commitment to provide military support, how do you interpret the current dynamics in U.S.-Israel relations?
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me. President Biden’s visit signifies a reaffirmation of the U.S.’s long-standing support for Israel, especially in such precarious times following the attacks by Hamas. His promise of military aid is essential not only for Israel’s defense but also for maintaining the U.S.’s influence in the region.
**Interviewer:** The president mentioned an unprecedented package of support. How significant is the proposed $100 billion package, which includes aid for other countries?
**Dr. Cohen:** It’s quite significant. This package indicates a shift in strategy, proposing a comprehensive approach to U.S. foreign aid that addresses multiple geopolitical issues simultaneously. By including Ukraine, Taiwan, and U.S.-Mexico border challenges, it aims to create bipartisan support in Congress and present a united front.
**Interviewer:** Despite strong support for Israel in Congress, there are growing concerns among Republican lawmakers regarding military aid to Ukraine. How might this affect Biden’s proposal?
**Dr. Cohen:** That’s a crucial point. The shifting sentiments among Republican lawmakers could complicate the passage of this massive aid package. If skepticism towards aid to Ukraine grows, it could spill over into discussions about Israel, potentially straining relations. Biden will need to navigate these waters carefully to ensure that support for Israel doesn’t face backlash.
**Interviewer:** Last, with the mention of escalating humanitarian crises in Gaza, how does the U.S. balance its military support for Israel with the humanitarian needs on the ground?
**Dr. Cohen:** Balancing military support with humanitarian needs is a delicate act. The U.S. administration has to advocate for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza while simultaneously reinforcing Israel’s defense capabilities. The letter from Secretary Blinken urging Israel to enhance humanitarian efforts reflects a growing awareness that military actions have direct humanitarian implications. It’s about finding a path that supports Israel’s security while also addressing the dire needs of Palestinians, which is crucial for long-term peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for your insights on these complex issues.
**Dr. Cohen:** My pleasure. Thank you for having me.
