Israeli PM thanks US for ‘defending Western civilization’

Netanyahu applauds the U.S. House’s decision to approve $26 billion in aid for Israel as part of a larger $95 billion package

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a substantial $95 billion foreign aid package for Israel, Ukraine and the Indo-Pacific region – which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed as a pivotal demonstration of U.S. bipartisan support for Israel.

On Saturday, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude on social media, saying: “The U.S. Congress just overwhelmingly passed a much-appreciated aid bill that demonstrates strong bipartisan support for Israel and defends Western civilization. Thank you, friends, thank you America!”

The aid package includes $26 billion for Israel, earmarked for enhancing its missile defense systems and providing humanitarian relief to Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas.

Netanyahu stressed the strategic and symbolic importance of the aid, affirming that it strengthens the enduring alliance between the United States and Israel.

Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged the aid as pivotal for Ukraine’s ongoing struggle against Russian aggression. Zelenskyy emphasized the broader significance of the aid, asserting that “democracy and freedom will always have global significance and will never fail as long as America helps to protect it.”

On the House floor, emotions ran high as many Democrats celebrated the bill’s passage by waving blue-and-yellow flags of Ukraine, indicating the extensive support the package also provides to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.

Despite the overwhelming support, the aid package sparked debate among U.S. lawmakers.

A group of progressive Democrats opposed the bill concerning Israel, urging a cessation of military actions in Gaza that have led to significant civilian casualties. They advocated for an alternative approach that could facilitate peace and reduce regional suffering.

This legislative milestone also prompted reactions from Palestinian officials. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, labeled the approval of military aid to Israel as an act of aggression against the Palestinian people, predicting it would lead to more casualties in Gaza and the West Bank.

Source: Newsroom