Republicans advance Israel funding without Ukraine, defying Biden

On Thursday, the Republican-led US Congress cleared a $14 billion assistance package for Israel, ignoring President Joe Biden's plea to add more money for Ukraine and other vital issues. The plan, which would syphon revenue from the US tax collecting agency, is nearly guaranteed to fail in the Democratic-controlled Senate, and Biden has promised to veto it. The White House has asked for a more comprehensive package of assistance for both Israel and Ukraine, as well as humanitarian help for Gaza and increased funds for US border-related projects. However, following a weeks-long stalemate as House Republicans battled to choose a…