President Biden Threatens to Veto Aid Package to Israel Unless Ukraine is Included
Speaker Mike Johnson Should Call His Bluff
President Joe Biden is playing a high-stakes game by threatening to veto House Republicans’ aid package to Israel unless it includes funding for Ukraine. This bold move by Biden was confirmed during Thursday’s White House press briefing, where National Security Council spokesman John Kirby made it clear that the president would not accept an “only-Israel” bill.
In response to Hamas’ recent attack on Israel, House Republicans introduced a new spending package that would provide $14.3 billion in aid to Israel using previously allocated funding for the IRS. This proposal has faced backlash from administration officials like Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who threw a tantrum over the plan. Surprisingly, despite authorizing $113 billion in aid for Ukraine in 2022 alone, the White House has proposed a $105 billion spending package that would force Congress to send billions of dollars to the second most corrupt country in Europe as part of a deal with U.S. aid to Israel.
But Biden is not the only one in Washington threatening to block aid to Israel. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has also voiced his displeasure with House Republicans’ attempt to separate aid to Israel and Ukraine, claiming that the two conflicts are interconnected. McConnell argues that ignoring this fact would be perilous for America and its allies.
As the newly elected House speaker, Mike Johnson should demonstrate his leadership by standing up to Biden and McConnell. Instead of engaging in futile negotiations, Johnson should rally his caucus, pass the aid package, and corner Biden and the Senate. Let them explain to the American people why they are withholding aid to Israel, a crucial Middle East ally, in order to funnel more taxpayer dollars into corrupt Ukrainian officials’ pockets.
If Johnson wants to make a name for himself and differentiate from his predecessor, he must take a strong stance on important issues. Otherwise, he should step aside and let someone else lead the conservative cause.
Shawn Fleetwood is a staff writer for The Federalist and a graduate of the University of Mary Washington. He previously served as a state content writer for Convention of States Action and his work has been featured in numerous outlets, including RealClearPolitics, RealClearHealth, and Conservative Review. Follow him on Twitter @ShawnFleetwood
Popular
How does President Biden’s threat to veto the aid package to Israel unless Ukraine is included impact his administration’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
T includes no additional funding for Ukraine. President Biden’s threat to veto the aid package to Israel unless Ukraine is included raises questions about his priorities and the administration’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a long-standing issue that requires delicate diplomacy and a fair approach. With his threat to veto the aid package, President Biden is attempting to leverage support for Ukraine by using Israel as bargaining power. This tactic is concerning and raises doubts about the administration’s commitment to Israel’s security.
It is important to note that the aid package to Israel is crucial for the country’s defense and stability in the region. Israel faces significant security threats from terrorist organizations like Hamas, who have recently intensified their attacks. The United States has a long history of supporting Israel in its defense efforts, and any attempt to condition aid to Israel sends a troubling message.
Speaker Mike Johnson should call President Biden’s bluff and stand up for the interests of Israel and the American people. By vetoing the aid package to Israel over unrelated issues, President Biden is putting Israel’s security at risk and jeopardizing the strong alliance between the two countries.
While Ukraine undoubtedly requires assistance, it should not come at the expense of Israel’s security. The United States can and should support both countries, but it should not use one as a bargaining chip to secure funding for the other. This approach undermines the principles of fair diplomacy and jeopardizes the stability of the region.
It is also worth noting that President Biden’s threat to veto the aid package undermines the bipartisan support for Israel that has been a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy for decades. Both Republicans and Democrats have consistently recognized Israel’s right to self-defense and the importance of supporting its security needs. President Biden’s actions threaten to erode this bipartisan consensus and weaken America’s relationship with Israel.
Speaker Mike Johnson, as a representative of the Republican party, should strongly oppose any attempt to condition aid to Israel. He should call on President Biden to prioritize Israel’s security and work towards a fair and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By doing so, Speaker Johnson can demonstrate his commitment to strong U.S.-Israel relations and advocate for the interests of both countries.
In conclusion, President Biden’s threat to veto the aid package to Israel unless Ukraine is included is a high-stakes game that should be challenged. Speaker Mike Johnson should stand firm in his support for Israel’s security and oppose any attempt to use aid as a bargaining chip. It is crucial to prioritize fair diplomacy and avoid jeopardizing the strong alliance between the United States and Israel.
