President Joe Biden signed a $95 billion military aid package into law on Wednesday, with $17 billion earmarked for bolstering Israel's defense capabilities and replenishing its missile defense systems like the Iron Dome.
"My commitment to Israel is ironclad," Biden affirmed. "The security of Israel is critical. I will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and the terrorist groups it backs." This assistance comes after Iran launched an unprecedented barrage of missiles and drones at Israel just days earlier, which Israeli defenses successfully thwarted.
The passage of the aid bill marks the end of a bitter months-long battle in Congress over urgently needed assistance, not just for Israel but also for Ukraine in its war against Russia's invasion. Biden said US weapons will begin shipping to Ukraine "in the next few hours."
The bill also directs $1 billion in humanitarian aid specifically for Palestinians in Gaza, with Biden underscoring that Israel must guarantee this relief reaches Gazans "without delay."
Another $8 billion component focuses on countering growing threats Chinese in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly around Taiwan. US officials stated some of these funds could flow in the short term, with the bulk arriving over the coming weeks.
The legislation also targets the popular social media app TikTok, giving its Chinese parent company ByteDance nine months to sell it or face a US ban over national security worries.
