In an ongoing debate, Democrats in the Senate remain divided over whether to impose more conditions on aid sent to Israel, as part of a larger legislative package aimed at assisting Israel, Ukraine, and addressing challenges at the US southern border. The issue has sparked intense discussions among lawmakers, with some advocating for conditions while others express reservations.

Democratic Senator Peter Welch of Vermont, a vocal proponent of attaching conditions to aid for Israel, stated on Wednesday that he would not necessarily vote against an aid package if conditions were not included. However, he emphasized his concern, saying, "We're not at that point yet. So I've always supported Israel aid and I expect that I will, but I'm making my point of concern very clear."

Many Senate Democrats who oppose conditioning aid argue that the US administration is already engaging with Israel regarding its military operations, and that there are existing international laws governing the rules of war. To further explore the issue, Democrats held a meeting with officials from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday night.

Independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who also supports conditions on aid, declined to reveal whether he would vote against an aid package for Israel if additional conditions were not included.

The topic of conditioning aid sparked a robust debate during a Democratic lunch on Tuesday, though top Democrats, including Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland, have cautioned against it. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky outright rejected the idea, while Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer avoided addressing the question directly.

Passing any aid package would require not only Senate approval but also the support of the GOP-led House, where opposition to conditions on aid to Israel is also expected.

However, the hurdles to passing the legislative package do not end there. Several Senate Democrats have expressed concerns about the ongoing border negotiations, fearing that significant changes to the US asylum process could jeopardize aid for Israel and Ukraine. These senators believe that any adjustments to asylum and parole procedures should not undermine the entire process, as the survival of Israel and US national interests are at stake.

The challenges in reaching a border deal have prompted a small group of senators, including both Democrats and Republicans, to seek a middle ground on immigration. However, negotiators face pressure from various groups, including conservatives within their own party and outside immigration organizations, to push for significant policy changes that align with elements of the House-passed immigration bill.

Republicans insist on substantial alterations to asylum policy and the Biden administration's handling of humanitarian parole. GOP Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has made it clear that major policy changes are non-negotiable for him. On the other hand, Democrats face pressure from their base and immigration groups to resist any package that would fundamentally alter the asylum claims process and impede assistance to immigrants fleeing violence and persecution.

The negotiation process appeared to make progress on the asylum issue, with negotiators aiming to raise the credible fear standard in initial interviews for asylum seekers at the border. Republicans contend that this would reduce the number of eligible immigrants and alleviate the existing backlog. However, a group of Democratic senators, including Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois, expressed concern that the proposed changes go too far and put significant pressure on negotiators.

As the discussions continue, skepticism grows about the possibility of reaching a deal this week. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut, a key negotiator, doubts that an agreement will be reached in time for Congress to consider the larger aid package before Christmas.

Both sides are faced with the challenge of finding middle ground, knowing that compromises attract criticism from all sides. Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a participant in the talks, acknowledged that bipartisan agreements are difficult and often result in dissatisfaction among supporters. Despite the challenges, lawmakers are committed to finding a solution that balances the interests of all parties involved.

As the debate and negotiations continue, the fate of the aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and the US southern border remains uncertain.

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