In his drive to link aid for Ukraine and Israel, President Joe Biden has found support from an unlikely ally: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
McConnell stated in an interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation” that he sees the war in Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas as interconnected, despite some Republicans suggesting otherwise. He believes that there are broader implications to the situation in Ukraine beyond the ongoing war with Russia.
According to McConnell, if the Russians are not defeated in Ukraine, they will move on to NATO countries. He further emphasized the seriousness of the threat during an interview on “Fox News Sunday.”
The Biden administration has requested Congress to approve a $106 billion emergency aid package for Israel, Ukraine, the southern U.S. border, and other humanitarian needs. While aid for Israel has widespread support, including in Congress, including more Ukrainian assistance in the same package could complicate the approval process.
Some Republicans, both on the campaign trail and in Congress, have expressed opposition to sending more aid to Ukraine. Yet, with McConnell backing Biden’s request, there is a glimmer of hope for its passage.
McConnell stressed the need to address global challenges collectively, highlighting China and Russia as major competitors and the utilization of Iranian drones in both Ukraine and against Israel. While he agrees on providing aid to Ukraine, he made it clear that he strongly differs from Biden on domestic matters.
Despite their disagreements on homefront issues, McConnell expressed his preference for a bipartisan approach to foreign policy and defense, working together for the benefit of the country and its allies.
