US Congress to request $2bn aid package for Israel, Ukraine

Joe Biden

Officials in the US have said they will ask Congress for upwards of $2bn (£1.63bn) in additional aid to support conflict in both Ukraine and Israel. 

It was announced during a speech given by US secretary of state Antony Blinken, who also said President Joe Biden would be visiting Israel on Wednesday.

On Sunday, White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said President Biden would have intensive talks with Congress this week for the aid package to be approved.

However, the US leader faces opposition, as some Republicans have called for money for Kyiv to be cut.

Recent turmoil inside Congress saw Republicans struggle to pick a speaker for the House of Representatives, leading to the ousting of Kevin McCarthy nearly two weeks ago.

This has delayed action on legislation, as Israel prepares a ground war against Hamas in Gaza and US officials warn the regional crisis could escalate.

Some Republicans have already said they would not back any Israel aid package that also contains aid for Ukraine.

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