Congress Considers $17 Billion Military Aid to Israel

The Speaker of the American House of Representatives Mike Johnson revealed a legislation that calls for providing new military aid to Israel worth $17.6 billion as part of its fight against the Hamas movement, with an anticipated vote within days.

Johnson stated in a message to members that the full House may vote this week on the funding bill proposed by the House Appropriations Committee, adding in his message that “the need to support our closest allies and forces in the region is more urgent than ever.”

According to the House Appropriations Committee, the $17.6 billion in funding will be used to help in updating Israel’s missile defense systems, purchasing additional advanced weapon systems, and producing artillery and other ammunition.

Some of the funds will also be used to renew the American weapons provided to Israel after the Al-Aqsa Intifada.

Previous Aid Package

The House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, had previously agreed to provide new military aid to Israel worth $14.3 billion, with the condition that a large portion of the funds already allocated to the Internal Revenue Service would be deducted.

The Senate, controlled by Democrats, rejected this condition. It is expected that a legislative package will be unveiled to further assist Israel, in addition to providing more military aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia.

According to Reuters, the package is also expected to include proposals to enhance security on the United States’ southern border with Mexico.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is taking steps to initiate the discussion of this multifaceted bill this week, with the first procedural vote scheduled no later than Wednesday.

If the US Congress, represented by both the House and the Senate, passes the bill, it will be sent to President Joe Biden for his signature to become effective.