Amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Palestine, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Monday that the US can "certainly" afford involvement in another war.
Speaking to Britain’s Sky News, Yellen said that the US can provide assistance to Israel while continuing to support Ukraine in their war with Russia.
"We do need to come up with funds, both for Israel and for Ukraine. This is a priority," Yellen said. "It's really up to the House to find, seat a speaker and to put us in a position where legislation can be passed."
Though she pledged unwavering support for Israel, she urged the foreign nation to "try to spare innocent civilian lives."
At least 2,750 Palestinian people have been killed in the retaliatory strikes and another 9,700 more have been injured.
"We stand with Israel. America has also made clear to Israel, we're working very closely with the Israelis, that they have a right to defend themselves. But it's important to try to spare innocent civilian lives to the maximum extent possible," Yellen continued.
Yellen continued, "America can certainly afford to stand with Israel and to support Israel's military needs and we also can and must support Ukraine in its struggle against Russia."
Ximena Barreto, Sen. Rand Paul's Director of External Affairs, responded to Yellen's remarks in a post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. The 'Uniparty' seems thirsty for war, with interests that benefit from it. @SecYellen, we can't afford more wars. At $33 trillion in debt, we can't keep borrowing from China to fund endless conflicts. It's time for fiscal responsibility and putting American interest first! https://t.co/nqvT5mbneV
— XIMENA (@RepublicanChick) October 16, 2023
"The 'Uniparty' seems thirsty for war, with interests that benefit from it. @SecYellen , we can't afford more wars," Barreto wrote. "At $33 trillion in debt, we can't keep borrowing from China to fund endless conflicts. It's time for fiscal responsibility and putting American interest first!"
