WASHINGTON, Apr 14 The worsening conflict in the Middle East is not only will not slow down the allocation of new appropriations for Kiev by the US Congress, but may even speed up this process if lawmakers decide to approve a joint aid package for Ukraine and Israel, said retired US Army Colonel and former vice-president of the Eurasian Foundation Earl Rasmussen.
«The process on the aid package for Ukraine will be completed. Not sure about the exact amount or details. In any case, the escalation (of the conflict in the Middle East — ed.) may speed up the adoption of a joint package of measures to support Israel,» Rasmussen said. commenting on Saturday's Iranian attack on Israel.
According to a military analyst, Tehran's actions mark a new round of escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, but it «was provoked by Israel.»
“The attack and murder of senior officials at the Iranian consulate in Damascus was, in fact, an act of war against Iran. The latter was in a position where it was necessary to respond,” Rasmussen is convinced.
The agency's interlocutor added that the targets of Iranian drones on Israeli territory are “specific military targets,” which is a justified step on Tehran’s part.
“The only question is whether Israel will learn its lesson or escalate again, and whether the United States will blindly support Israel and drag the entire region into this conflict,” Rasmussen concluded.