In the latest development surrounding the debate on tying aid for Ukraine to Israel funding, divisions within the Senate GOP have come to the forefront. Senate Republicans are split on whether to endorse the House's plan to pass Israel aid separately, highlighting the varying stances within the party.

One prominent voice on the issue is Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has raised concerns about separating the two aid packages. After listening to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin testify before the Senate Appropriations Committee, Graham stated that it would be a "huge mistake" to break them apart. He emphasized the importance of dealing with conflicts comprehensively and expressed support for the aid package staying together.

While Graham's stance has shifted, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and the White House continue to prioritize passing an aid package that includes funding for both Ukraine and Israel. Meanwhile, newly elected Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his intention to have a standalone aid package for Israel introduced in the House.

McConnell has argued that the security threats faced by the United States and its allies are intertwined, and therefore, the two aid packages must be linked. He stressed the potential consequences of ignoring this fact. Sen. Mitt Romney echoed McConnell's viewpoint, stating that he believes a standalone aid package will not pass both chambers and emphasizing the combined support for Ukraine and Israel among the majority of House and Senate members.

However, not all Senate Republicans agree with McConnell's position. Some conservatives within the party argue for following the House's lead and prioritizing the standalone aid package for Israel. Sen. Rand Paul criticized McConnell's approach, accusing him of attempting to undercut Speaker Johnson and suggesting that McConnell's position is unpopular within the party.

Senators Rick Scott, Eric Schmitt, and Josh Hawley also expressed reservations about tying the aid packages together, asserting that they should be treated separately. They urged their colleagues to listen to the House GOP's direction, with Speaker Johnson clearly indicating his intention to keep Ukraine aid separate from aid for Israel.

On the other hand, Senate Democrats have presented a unified front on the issue, sounding the alarm over the debate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the House bill as "insulting" and warned that including spending cuts in the aid package would make it more challenging to pass in the Senate. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy described the House GOP's approach as a "recipe for disaster," and Sen. Joe Manchin labeled the GOP push to separate the aid packages as a "mistake."

As the Senate GOP remains divided on whether to tie aid for Ukraine to Israel funding, the differing perspectives within the party continue to present a challenge in finding a consensus. The debate highlights the complex dynamics at play in shaping US foreign policy and aid distribution.