The White House has pushed back on an attempt by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to send funding to Israel without including money for Ukraine, calling the move “a dangerous political stunt” that undermines national security. White House spokesman Andrew Bates said it’s unusual that Johnson is requiring about $14 billion in Israel funding to be fully offset by cuts to the Internal Revenue Service — a priority for conservatives.
“Why should Israel be singled out in this way?” he wrote in a memo sent to reporters. “Why should it be treated differently, especially when they were just subjected to the worst massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust?” Bates said the bill endangers other national security priorities, including sending humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza and helping Ukraine fend off Russia’s attacks. He also pointed out that the bill would increase the national deficit.
Israel-Gaza war live updates: Israel increases troops, tanks in Gaza as part of ‘expanded’ operationWashington pressured Israel to restore communications in the Gaza Strip and negotiated with Israel to speed up aid into Gaza, U.S. officials told The Post. Read more ⮕
Israel-Gaza war live updates: Israel pushes farther into Gaza, rejects cease-fireIsrael is continuing its advance into Gaza with tanks and soldiers, along with its relentless bombing campaign. Read more ⮕
More Israeli troops pour into Gaza with IDF on ‘high alert’ on northern borderThe Israeli military is escalating its military activity in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip with more forces engaging and eliminating terrorists, an official says. Read more ⮕
Israeli troops kill ‘dozens’ of Hamas terrorists as fighting ramps up Gaza: IDF spokesmanThe Israel Defense Forces said their soldiers killed ‘dozens’ of terrorists during clashes overnight with Palestinian Hamas fighters as Israeli troops expand ground operations in the Gaza Strip in a retaliatory campaign for the Hamas terror rampage that killed 1,400 Israelis and foreign nationals earlier this month. Read more ⮕
Israeli soldier held hostage by Hamas rescued in Gaza, IDF saysPrivate soldier Ori Megidish has undergone a medical evaluation and is doing well, Israeli officials said. Read more ⮕
Hamas Hostage Ori Megidish Freed During Israeli Ground Operation in Gaza, IDF SaysThe Israel Defense Forces shared a photo of the woman smiling alongside relatives on Monday. Read more ⮕
