Senate Foreign Relations chair does not support conditions on U.S. aid to Israel

Senate Foreign Relations Chair Ben Cardin said Monday he does not support placing conditions on U.S. aid to Israel amid its ongoing battle against Hamas, a wedge issue that’s divided congressional Democrats.

“I don’t think there’s a need for conditionality,” Cardin (D-Md.) told reporters, acknowledging “war is horrible” amid thousands of civilian casualties.

Cardin, who’s retiring following this term, also said he would not support pursuing a permanent ceasefire in the conflict beyond the days-long pause in fighting currently underway.

“We’re negotiating to get hostages released that never should have been taken in the first place, which is outrageous,” Cardin said. “War is terrible, but Hamas is terrible itself. The future of the Palestinians and Israelis is very much linked to Hamas not being empowered.”

Congress is working on a supplemental package that could include aid to Israel, as well as funding for Ukraine and Taiwan and changes to border security policy.