US House passes $14bn Israel aid plan despite Senate and White House rejection

The US House of Representatives has passed a plan to provide $14.3bn in aid to Israel, despite Democrats in the Senate saying it had no chance of passing, and the White House promising to veto it.

The plan passed by 226 to 196, with mostly Republicans voting in favour and Democrats voting against. It was the first major legislation to be brought forward under new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson.

President Joe Biden has asked Congress to approve a wider $106bn emergency package including funding for Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian aid. However, Republican lawmakers were keen to separate the issue of aid to Israel.

Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer, majority leader of the Senate, said he would not bring the bill up for a vote.

The $14.3bn in funds include billions for Israel's military, including $4bn for procurement of Israel's Iron Dome and David's Sling defence systems to counter short-range rocket threats.