Democrats in U.S. Senate block aid bill for Israel without Ukraine

Democrats in the U.S. Senate on Tuesday blocked a Republican attempt to gain quick approval of a bill to provide emergency aid to Israel, but does not provide aid for Ukraine's war against Russia. This is reported by Reuters.

The House bill would provide $14.3 billion to Israel as a response to the 7 October attack by Islamist militants Hamas.

The funds would include $4 billion to purchase Israeli Iron Dome and David's Board defence systems to counter short-range rocket threats, as well as some transfer of equipment from U.S. warehouses.

Our allies in Ukraine can no more afford a delay than our allies in Israel,'' said Senator Patty Murray, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee.

To become law, the bill must pass the Democrat-controlled Senate, as well as the Republican-majority House of Representatives, and be signed by President Biden.

The White House has said that Biden will veto this House bill.