House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) emphasized...

 House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) emphasized the criticality of electing a Speaker to secure resources for Israel and demonstrate unwavering support in light of Hamas's assaults on the nation.

"We must elect a Speaker this week to facilitate vital discussions, such as bolstering the Iron Dome, passing a bipartisan resolution denouncing Hamas for their actions against Israel," stated McCaul during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union."

"We aim to present this resolution for unanimous consent, irrespective of whether a Speaker is in place, as time is of the essence. We must convey our message promptly," McCaul added.

McCaul's remarks follow a devastating attack by Hamas on Saturday morning, resulting in the loss of numerous Israeli lives. Officials have described this incident as one of the most severe since the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Furthermore, his comments come in the aftermath of a historic House vote last Tuesday, in which former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was removed, leaving a vacant position as the third-highest-ranking official in the United States government. Eight Republicans joined ranks with the Democrats to oppose McCarthy.

Leading contenders in the race include Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), although, as of Sunday afternoon, neither candidate appears to have gained the necessary votes to secure a majority. House Republicans are set to convene on Tuesday for a candidate forum to narrow down the field and determine a single candidate capable of securing majority support in the closely divided chamber.

McCaul also cautioned against the message conveyed to adversaries of the United States by the vacancy in the Speakership.

When asked whether Congress can pass additional aid to Israel in the absence of a Speaker, McCaul responded, "Well, it is not an ideal situation. I did not support the removal of the Speaker. I deemed it to be perilous."

"Considering the threats looming around the world, what message are we sending to our opponents when we cannot govern effectively? When dysfunction cripples us? When there is no Speaker of the House?" McCaul continued. "I mean, how does Chairman Xi Jinping in China perceive this when he asserts that democracy is ineffective? How does the Ayatollah in Iran view our predicament, knowing that our ability to function optimally is compromised? It sends a dismal message."

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McCaul asserts that the presence of a Speaker is imperative in order to restore support for Israel's Iron Dome.

 McCaul asserts that the presence of a Speaker is imperative in order to restore support for Israel's Iron Dome.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) emphasized the criticality of electing a Speaker to secure resources for Israel and demonstrate unwavering support in light of Hamas's assaults on the nation.

"We must elect a Speaker this week to facilitate vital discussions, such as bolstering the Iron Dome, passing a bipartisan resolution denouncing Hamas for their actions against Israel," stated McCaul during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union."

"We aim to present this resolution for unanimous consent, irrespective of whether a Speaker is in place, as time is of the essence. We must convey our message promptly," McCaul added.

McCaul's remarks follow a devastating attack by Hamas on Saturday morning, resulting in the loss of numerous Israeli lives. Officials have described this incident as one of the most severe since the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

Furthermore, his comments come in the aftermath of a historic House vote last Tuesday, in which former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was removed, leaving a vacant position as the third-highest-ranking official in the United States government. Eight Republicans joined ranks with the Democrats to oppose McCarthy.

Leading contenders in the race include Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), although, as of Sunday afternoon, neither candidate appears to have gained the necessary votes to secure a majority. House Republicans are set to convene on Tuesday for a candidate forum to narrow down the field and determine a single candidate capable of securing majority support in the closely divided chamber.

McCaul also cautioned against the message conveyed to adversaries of the United States by the vacancy in the Speakership.

When asked whether Congress can pass additional aid to Israel in the absence of a Speaker, McCaul responded, "Well, it is not an ideal situation. I did not support the removal of the Speaker. I deemed it to be perilous."

"Considering the threats looming around the world, what message are we sending to our opponents when we cannot govern effectively? When dysfunction cripples us? When there is no Speaker of the House?" McCaul continued. "I mean, how does Chairman Xi Jinping in China perceive this when he asserts that democracy is ineffective? How does the Ayatollah in Iran view our predicament, knowing that our ability to function optimally is compromised? It sends a dismal message."

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Israel has officially declared war and has authorized a series of 'significant' measures in response to an unexpected assault carried out by Hamas.

 Israel has officially declared war and has authorized a series of 'significant' measures in response to an unexpected assault carried out by Hamas.

The Israeli government officially declared war on Sunday and authorized "significant military actions" in response to Hamas' surprise attack. The military is currently focused on eliminating remaining fighters in southern towns and intensifying its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. The death toll has surpassed 1,000, with thousands injured on both sides.

While Israeli forces continue their efforts to defeat the remaining groups of militants, who are currently holed up in various towns, the staggering toll of at least 700 reported deaths in Israel represents a level of devastation that the country has not witnessed in decades. In Gaza, over 300 people have lost their lives due to the ongoing Israeli airstrikes.

The declaration of war indicates that greater conflicts lie ahead, and one crucial question is whether Israel will initiate a ground assault on Gaza. Historically, such a move has resulted in a surge of casualties. Additionally, a brief exchange of strikes between Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group and northern Israel has amplified concerns about the potential expansion of the fighting into a broader regional war.

Authorities are still working to determine the number of civilians and soldiers who were taken captive by Hamas during the chaotic events and transported back to Gaza. Based on videos and witness testimonies, it is known that among the captives are women, children, and the elderly.

During an interview on ABC's "This Week," U.S. Secretary of State Andrew Blinken stated that up to 1,000 Hamas fighters were involved in the assault, highlighting the extensive planning undertaken by the militant group that governs Gaza. They ruthlessly targeted civilians in towns, along highways, and even at a techno-music festival held in the desert near Gaza.

Israel's military has already struck over 800 targets in Gaza, according to its reports. This includes airstrikes that have leveled a significant portion of the town of Beit Hanoun in the northeastern corner of the enclave. Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told journalists that warplanes dropped tons of explosives on 120 targets, claiming that Hamas had been utilizing the town as a staging area for attacks. At present, there is no information available regarding casualties, though it is likely that most of the tens of thousands of residents in the community fled prior to the bombardment.

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