Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told Congress that pressure on Israel is working to improve humanitarian aid to Gaza, but more action is needed. This comes after protesters interrupted a Senate hearing shouting for the US to stop sending weapons to Israel. Austin emphasized the need for Israel to move civilians out of Gaza and care for them properly. Concerns over civilian casualties in Gaza have sparked calls for the US to press Israel to protect the population.
President Biden’s shift in tone following Israel’s deadly strike on aid workers in Gaza led to increased pressure on Israel to protect civilians. Half the population of Gaza is facing starvation due to restricted aid deliveries. Biden informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that future US support for the war depends on Israel’s actions to protect civilians and aid workers. Plans to build a pier off the Gaza coast to enhance humanitarian aid delivery are underway, with US military ships and personnel en route to Gaza.
Austin and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr. discussed the Pentagon’s $850 billion budget for 2025, emphasizing readiness for potential conflicts with China. However, the ongoing crises in Ukraine and Israel have delayed budget approvals, hindering support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. Congress is divided on allocating funds for international crises versus domestic priorities. Lawmakers are facing pressure to address the crisis in Gaza to prevent a wider Middle East conflict that could jeopardize US interests in the region.
The situation in Gaza and Ukraine poses significant risks for US national security and international relations. Failure to address the crises could lead to further destabilization in the Middle East and Europe, potentially dragging the US into prolonged conflicts. Iranian-backed militant groups have used Israel’s actions in Gaza to target US interests, resulting in casualties among US service members. Lawmakers are under pressure to prioritize domestic concerns while addressing international crises like Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting the challenges facing US foreign policy and military strategy.
