Israel has reportedly sought a $10 billion aid package from the United States in emergency military assistance, according to unnamed sources cited by an American newspaper. The request for aid follows the recent escalation of the Palestine-Israel conflict that began on October 7. The Israeli military confirmed the arrival of the first shipment of American ammunition via a US aircraft landing in Israel. This aid is aimed at supporting Israel in its conflict with Palestinian Hamas militants.

In another development, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul stated that his committee is drafting legislation to authorize US military force if the ongoing conflict were to escalate into a potential proxy war involving Iran. The legislation is being considered in coordination with other aid packages, including those for Ukraine and Taiwan, as well as funds for fortifying the US-Mexico border.

McCaul emphasized that the legislation is being drafted in anticipation of possible escalation, and he hopes it will not need to be enacted. He noted that the authorization would primarily target Iran proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran-backed Shi’ia militias, but would include Iran if they directly involve themselves in the conflict.

The current conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel on October 7, responding to perceived provocations like the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increasing settler violence against Palestinians. Israel retaliated with Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, conducting IDF airstrikes. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of casualties, with over 2,800 reported deaths in the Gaza Strip, including women and children, and 1,400 reported deaths in Israel due to the October 7 Hamas attack, according to the IDF.