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Michigan Congressman visits Israel; meets with Israeli leaders

Taylor Brandon
/
Unsplash

A Michigan Congressman says he met with Israel’s prime minister and other officials over the weekend, as well as some family members of the more than 200 hostages held in Gaza.

Michigan Republican Congressman John James says he traveled with the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee for an update on the war between Israel and Hamas.

Officials estimate more than 11,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed since Israel began its siege of Gaza, following Hamas’ deadly attack in southern Israel last month.

James, a military veteran, said in a social media post from Israel that the country and the U.S. remain staunch allies.

“Israel has a right to defend itself,” James said.

James voted to send more than $14 billion to Israel, a House Republican plan paid for by re-allocating money away from the I.R.S.

President Biden says he will veto a stand-alone bill only covering aid for Israel, preferring a supplemental budget package that includes funding for Israel, Ukraine, the U.S. border and other items.

Quinn Klinefelter is a host and Senior News Editor for 101.9 WDET, anchoring midday newscasts and preparing reports for WDET, NPR and the BBC.