White House Negotiates Combined Aid to Israel and Ukraine with Senate

The White House had an unclassified briefing with members of Congress this week about potentially adding aid to Israel in a package with Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

Senior officials in the administration briefed the upper chamber on a phone call, expressing the desire for a 'mega package' of aid to both nations, as well as support for Taiwan, border security, and a nonprofit security program for houses of worship.

Negotiations are more likely to go public next week when the Senate reconvenes, as the temporary spending patch for the government expires soon.

While talks have begun behind closed doors, the Biden administration has not publicly requested a specific funding package for Israel, though it would mainly focus on replenishing weaponry and strengthening its defense capabilities.

There is bipartisan support for aid to Israel in both chambers, with more emphasis on the urgent need for support in Ukraine, which has already received substantial aid in its defense against the Russian invasion.

The difference in scale between the two regions is apparent, with Ukraine requiring more assistance on a fundamental level, while Israel targeting a smaller funding amount to combat the Hamas conflict.

The administration outlined three areas for Israeli military support: precision-guided munitions, artillery, and air defense, also known as the Iron Dome.

While there may be some grumbling, it is expected that Congress will ultimately support the aid package.

The current negotiations will likely lead to legislation being brought to the Senate floor when it reconvenes.

A Republican senator's aide expressed the need to evaluate the details of the package before officially supporting the dual Ukraine-Israel aid.

Meanwhile, the death toll continues to rise as Hamas launches coordinated attacks on Israel, resulting in significant casualties.

While some lawmakers were on a trip to China to improve US-China relations, they were abruptly called back due to the ongoing conflict in Israel.

Jamie Joseph, a writer covering politics and leading Fox News Digital coverage of the Senate, provides these updates and more.