US House Speaker Mike Johnson stated he would push for wartime assistance for Israel this week as part of his efforts to secure House approval for a national security package that also includes support for Ukraine and allies in Asia.
Amidst internal GOP divisions over supporting Ukraine against Russia, Johnson has been managing a $95 billion aid proposal, pending for two months, aimed at assisting U.S. allies and providing humanitarian aid to civilians in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as funding to restock U.S. military supplies provided to Taiwan.
The recent Iranian attack on Israel has increased the pressure on Johnson but also highlighted the need to pass the aid package.
In an interview with Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Johnson emphasized the importance of supporting Israel and mentioned that the package details were currently being finalized.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also noted in a press conference that there was a bipartisan agreement to support both Israel and Ukraine following a discussion President Joe Biden had with congressional leaders, including Johnson.
Schumer stressed the importance of the aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Western interests, while the White House urged the quick passage of the security funding by the House.
Germany has pledged to supply Ukraine with 180,000 artillery shells, participating in a Czech Republic-led initiative to procure ammunition for Ukraine, at a cost of 576 million euros ($618 million).
This support comes as Ukraine faces a critical shortage of artillery ammunition amidst ongoing heavy combat and entrenched positions along a 1,000-km (620-mile) battlefront, two years following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
