House Approves $17B Military Aid for Israel in Major Spending Package

By Hamodia Staff

The House of Representatives has passed a $95 billion legislative package with broad bipartisan support, providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, despite objections from Republican hardliners.

Included in the package is $17 billion in defense aid to Israel and approximately $9 billion for humanitarian relief in Gaza and other conflict-ridden areas. The final allocation decision rests with the White House, with analysts expecting around $2 billion to be allocated to Gaza.

The legislation now moves to the Democratic-majority Senate, which passed a similar measure more than two months ago. Leaders from both parties, including President Joe Biden and top Senate Republican Mitch McConnell, have urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring it up for a vote.

The Senate is expected to pass the measure next week, sending it to Biden for final approval.

Of the aid designated for Israel, $5.2 billion will go toward replenishing and expanding the country’s missile and rocket defense systems. An additional $3.5 billion will be allocated for purchasing advanced weapons systems, $1 billion for enhancing weapons production, $4.4 billion for other defense supplies and services, and approximately $2.4 billion for US operations in the region during the Gaza conflict.

The bill also includes a provision to prohibit funds from going to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which supports Palestinian refugees.

Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz hailed the House’s approval of aid as sending a strong message to enemies, while Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support, stating that it defends Western civilization.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant thanked America for its unwavering support as Israel faces threats from multiple fronts, including Iran.

Biden commended lawmakers from both parties for coming together to provide critical support to Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza, Sudan, Haiti, and other regions affected by conflict.

However, several dozen progressive Democrats voted against the bill aiding Israel, demanding an end to the offensive in Gaza sparked by Hamas’s terror attacks.