Admin presses Congress on Israel aid as Democrats weigh conditions
As the Senate gears up to vote on Israel's aid package, the Biden administration is publicly calling for the Israeli military to act with restraint in southern Gaza.
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is urging Congress to quickly approve military assistance for Israel even as a growing number of Democrats voice concern over how that aid could be used in the Gaza Strip.
The US Senate is considering the administration’s $106 billion supplemental funding request, which includes $14.3 billion for Israel in its fight against Hamas, as well as support for Ukraine, Taiwan and security at the US-Mexico border.
A senior State Department official briefing reporters on Monday said the emergency funding is required to “meet the moment at a time of intense crises.”
“We've seen repeated rounds of brutal conflict between Israel and Hamas, so are we going to do the hard work that's needed to break this cycle? Or are we going to turn our back and watch the violence spread and more people suffer?” the official added.
