US Vice President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he will ask Congress this week for “unprecedented” help to Israel, which is believed to be part of a $100 billion package that also includes Ukraine assistance.
Biden’s visit came after Israel suffered its bloodiest ever strikes at the hands of Hamas militants, and he vowed to keep the US’s decades-old promise to ensure its partner has a “qualitative edge” over opponents on the battlefield.
“We’re going to make sure you have everything you need to protect your people and defend your country,” Biden said as he wrapped up a quick visit in support.
“Later this week, I’m going to ask the United States Congress for unprecedented support package for Israel’s defence,” stated the Israeli prime minister.
While Israel has solid backing in the US Congress, an increasing number of Republican senators have expressed reservations about providing billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine in response to Russian incursions.
According to a source close to the talks, Biden will propose a unified $100 billion package for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the migrant situation at the US-Mexico border.
The deal is intended to avoid congressional gridlock by bringing together Democrats, who have been seeking further aid for Kyiv for weeks, and Republicans, who want funds to reinforce border measures.
In September, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Congress in an attempt to urge Republicans to keep the funding flowing.
Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Tuesday that he will endeavor to get an aid package for Israel approved “hopefully within the next few weeks.”
He stated that the package would include military, humanitarian, intelligence, and diplomatic assistance.
Tensions have also increased in recent months over Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that China claims and has not excluded out occupying militarily.
The official US position on intervention is ambiguous, with the US — which only recognizes Beijing — focusing on equipping Taiwan with weaponry for self-defense.
Biden has stated his support for sending US military to defend Taiwan.