Biden will veto bill on aid to Israel if it does not include assistance to Ukraine

The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden announced on Monday, February 5, that he plans to veto a bill to provide aid to Israel, as the White House considers it incomplete

This is reported by Reuters.

"The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House said in a statement.

It is noted that for several months, the Biden administration, together with Senate Democrats and Republicans, has been working on a bill that combines reform of the U.S. immigration system, additional funds for border security, and allocates billions of dollars to help Ukraine, Israel, and partners in the Indo-Pacific region.

The $118 billion measure will also provide humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by global conflicts.

"The Administration strongly opposes this ploy which does nothing to secure the border, does nothing to help the people of Ukraine defend themselves against Putin's aggression, fails to support the security of American synagogues, mosques, and vulnerable places of worship, and denies humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, the majority of whom are women and children," the statement reads.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson announced on Saturday that the House of Representatives would reject the bipartisan Senate bill and instead vote this week on a measure that would provide aid only to Israel.

"The president’s veto threat is an act of betrayal. In threatening to veto aid to Israel and to our military forces, President Biden is abandoning our ally in its time of greatest need," Johnson said on Monday night.