The Blubber

The White House is considering a move to attach Ukraine funding to a request for urgent aid to Israel, per WaPo.

The White House is contemplating the inclusion of Ukraine funding in an urgent aid request for Israel, aiming to enhance the likelihood of Congress approving aid to Kyiv despite increasing opposition from House Republicans, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

As of now, no final decisions have been reached on whether to link these requests, as shared by two senior administration officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity. One official noted that such a strategy could be strategic in unsettling the far right, known for its resistance to increased aid for Ukraine but strong support for aid to Israel.

Leading figures in the Biden administration have communicated to House and Senate leaders, as well as members of key committees, that the White House intends to seek Congress's approval for additional military aid to Israel. This follows a devastating attack launched by Palestinian gunmen from Hamas, infiltrating Israel and resulting in the deadliest incident since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The formal request for aid could be presented as early as next week, according to individuals with knowledge of the matter.

The ongoing conflict has claimed over 1,000 lives in Israel and Gaza, including nine U.S. citizens. The surprise attack occurred amid escalating tensions over violence at the al-Aqsa Mosque, a significant Muslim holy site.

In response, Israel has declared a full siege of Gaza, severely restricting essential resources such as electricity, food, and fuel in the densely populated enclave of 2 million people, where conditions are rapidly deteriorating. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that Israel's response is only beginning.

While White House spokesman John Kirby did not confirm whether the two packages would be linked, he emphasized, "We believe both are important."