Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that if the White House supplemental aid bill to support Ukraine and Israel stalls in Congress, Russia, Iran and China will be the most pleased. In a recent interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Blinken further elaborated on what the consequences of this would be for both Ukraine and Israel.
The supplemental aid bill is a bipartisan legislation that seeks to provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine and Israel. To Ukraine, it will provide a total of $300 million in aid, specifically focused on security and defense. This includes $50 million for the Ukrainian military to purchase weapons, equipment, and training and $250 million in security assistance.
Meanwhile, to Israel, it will provide $3.3 billion in military aid, which is the same amount that was agreed upon in the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding. This will include $500 million for missile defense and $2.8 billion for the purchase of weapons, equipment, and training.
Blinken noted that the failure of the bill would be a major setback for both countries. He said that it would “leave them vulnerable to pressure from the very adversaries we’re trying to push back on.”
In the case of Ukraine, Blinken stressed that the country is still in the midst of a conflict with Russia and that the aid package is essential in helping Ukraine defend itself. He said that the money will go towards “building up their capacity to defend themselves, to deter Russian aggression, and to be able to resist it if it comes.”
Meanwhile, in the case of Israel, Blinken noted that the aid package is essential in helping the country build up its defenses against threats from its adversaries. He said that the money will go towards “ensuring that Israel can protect itself, deter aggression, and respond should it come.”
Blinken also stressed that the aid package is essential in showing the world that the United States stands with both Ukraine and Israel. He said that it is important for the United States to demonstrate its commitment to its allies and that this is the best way to do it.
The Secretary of State also noted that the aid package is important for the United States’ own interests. He said that the money will help ensure that both countries remain secure and stable, which will ultimately benefit the United States as well.
In conclusion, Blinken warned that the failure of the aid package would be a major setback for both Ukraine and Israel. It would leave them vulnerable to pressure from Russia, Iran, and China, and would undermine the United States’ own interests. Therefore, it is essential that the bill passes in Congress.
