WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden on Wednesday urged Republicans to drop opposition to a long-delayed military aid package for Ukraine and Israel, saying the US allies are in a “pivotal” moment of conflicts against Russia and Iran.
In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal, Biden stressed the importance of providing assistance to Ukraine and Israel, stating that while both nations are capable of defending their sovereignty, they rely on American support, including weaponry, to effectively combat external threats. “While both countries can capably defend their own sovereignty, they depend on American assistance, including weaponry, to do it. And this is a pivotal moment,” Biden wrote in an op-ed.
The plea from Biden comes amidst ongoing disagreements among Republicans in the House of Representatives over the proposed aid package. The Senate has already approved billions of dollars in aid, but the legislation has been stalled in the House.
The aid package is seen as essential for Ukraine, which has been engaged in a prolonged conflict against Russia. Additionally, the aid would facilitate the renewal of US weapons support to Israel, which recently came under attack by Iran.
Biden criticized the delay in passing the aid package, labeling it as unnecessary obstructionism by a minority faction within the Republican Party. He argued that the aid is crucial for US security interests, emphasizing the need to support allies facing threats from adversarial powers.
Addressing concerns about the cost of providing aid to Ukraine, Biden highlighted that the investment would not be a “blank check.” He emphasized that the weaponry provided to Ukraine would be manufactured in US factories, benefiting American workers and strengthening the country’s industrial base.
Furthermore, Biden sought to reassure Democrats who may have reservations about providing aid to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. He noted that the Senate-approved bill includes funding for delivering urgent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
