The civilian leader of the North Atlantic alliance condemned the Hamas attack on Israel but emphasized that support for Tel Aviv must not encroach on aid for Ukraine. Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg went on to warn Iran and Hezbollah against attacking Israel as Tel Aviv relentlessly bombs Gaza.
Speaking at the Nordic Council in Oslo, Norway, on Tuesday, Stoltenberg expressed that military support for Kiev was the only way to achieve peace. “A new winter is approaching, and we must expect new attacks against energy supplies and other critical infrastructure. There are no signs that Russia is planning for peace. On the contrary, they are planning for more war. Therefore, we must continue to support Ukraine. That means more weapons,” he said. “And I say that because I want peace in Ukraine.”
Stoltenberg stressed that support for Tel Aviv could not interfere with support for Kiev. The war in Gaza “must not lead to a weakening of our will and ability to support Ukraine,” he said.
The NATO chief went on to condemn the Hamas attack and issue a warning to Iran. “It is important that this war does not escalate into a major regional conflict. Iran, Hezbollah and other groups must not abuse the situation and escalate it further.” Adding, the war in Gaza “must not lead to a weakening of our will and ability to support Ukraine.”
In Washington, President Joe Biden has pressed Congress to pass a $105 billion bill that provides $61.4 billion in assistance for Kiev, $14 billion in military aid for Israel, and billions of dollars in funds to build up military assets in the Asia-Pacific. However, House Republicans are pushing to break up the bill. Speaker Mike Johnson plans to allow a vote on legislation to fund Israel, but not Ukraine.
On Monday, an article in TIME reported an aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kiev was facing a manpower shortage. If the West comes through on weapons deliveries, “we don’t have the men to use them,” he explained.
