The U.S. Expresses Concern Over Possible Anti-Aircraft Equipment Transfer from Wagner Group to Hezbollah

Adrian Watson, spokesperson for the National Security Council at the White House, expressed concern on Thursday, November 2, to Voice of America regarding reports that the Wagner mercenary group may provide anti-aircraft weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, stating, "The information reported by the Wall Street Journal is concerning." Watson added, "We know that Russia has refrained from condemning Hamas for its horrific terrorist attack on Israel" and noted that Moscow "recently hosted Hamas officials." Both Hezbollah and Hamas are proxy groups supported by the Islamic Republic. Tehran and Moscow's cooperation has increased in recent years, including in military matters. The White House National Security Council spokesperson also accused Russia of "continuing its crimes in Ukraine." He stated, "For this reason, we have asked Congress to support Israel, as they defend themselves against terrorism" and added that the government has also requested Congress to "support Ukraine as it defends itself against Russian brutality." Meanwhile, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $14.3 billion aid bill for Israel in its war against Hamas on Thursday. The bill was approved with 226 votes in favor and 196 against. Twelve Democratic representatives also voted in favor, while three Republican representatives opposed it. Meanwhile, Chuck Schumer, the Senate Majority Leader, criticized the bill, stating that the Senate would not accept it, as the majority of Senate seats are held by Democrats. Democrats argue that this bill does not include aid for Ukraine to counter the Russian attack. The White House has stated for several weeks that aid to Israel and Ukraine should be linked, as both countries are priorities for the U.S. President. Earlier, John Kirby, the National Security Council's Strategic Communications Coordinator, explicitly stated that President Joe Biden would veto any plan that only includes aid for Israel's war against Hamas. According to The Hill, Kirby said the U.S. President supports a combined aid package that includes assistance for Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine, along with other priorities in the proposed $106 billion national security budget. The review of the supplemental budget request in Congress for Ukraine, Israel, and the southern U.S. borders continues. The White House criticized Putin for "silence in the face of anti-Israel protests" in Russia. The U.S. imposed 130 new sanctions aimed at "countering Russia's war machine." American lawmakers have called for stronger U.S. actions against Iran. Verification of "genocide" and "war crimes" by Putin in Ukraine and calls for civilian protection in the Israel-Hamas war are ongoing. Mike Johnson wants to propose a standalone plan to aid Israel. Evidence of direct involvement in the Israel-Hamas war has emerged; Israel Hayom reported that the Islamic Republic sent five tons of weapons to Syria.