Was Israel given more funding and supplies than Ukraine?

Brandon Rosen

Assistant to the Editors

Both Ukraine and Israel are currently experiencing terrible wars. On February 24, 2022 Russian forces invaded Ukraine, starting a long battle that continues to rage. On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel and Israel immediately responded by declaring war on Hamas. Many people are comparing the two countries’ situations, especially focusing on whether the United States is giving more aid to Ukraine or Israel.

The United States has provided Ukraine and Israel with significant amounts of military and financial aid. The United States is helping Ukraine to defend itself against Russia, a country of vastly greater military capacity and population than Ukraine. Since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has organized and led the effort of the Western democratic countries to help Ukraine and the United States has given 75 billion dollars in humanitarian, financial, and military armaments to Ukraine to fight Russia.

Following the tragic and unspeakable events of October 7, President Biden went to Israel and declared that the United States would stand with Israel. He sent two U.S. carrier groups, which are amongst the most powerful military items the U.S. has. Subsequently, around the end of October, President Biden requested supplemental funding from Congress for Ukraine and Israel. It is important to note that the amount of aid given to Ukraine is obviously much more substantial than what is requested to be given to Israel. The NPR newsletter states that “President Biden has asked Congress for $61.4 billion to support Ukraine in the war against Russia, and $14.3 billion to support Israel in its effort to combat Hamas”.

The reason America is giving Israel less money is because at this time Israel does not need as much money as Ukraine needs.

Another reason is that Israel and the United States have been allies since the creation of Israel. While there may be more money spent on Ukraine, the United States' show of support and request for money for Israel may exceed what has been given to Ukraine.