US: Blinken To Speak At Senate Hearing On FY25 Budget & Israel

Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee shortly at 1030ET/1530BST/1630CET. Livestream here. Given the myriad geopolitical risks facing the US, ranging from the Israel-Hamas conflict, to the war in Ukraine, to trade and security tensions with China, Blinken's comments are likely to be closely watched for any indication of the latest thoughts of the administration in these foreign policy arenas. 

• He will then go on to testify in front of the Appropriations sub-commmittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs on the State Department's FY2025 budget request at 1430ET (1930BST, 2030CET). Tomorrow (Wednesday 22 May) Blinken will deliver testimony before the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee and a House appropriations subcommittee.
• Given the differing political control of each chamber, Blinken could receive a smoother reception in the Democrat-controlled Senate compared to the Republican-controlled House. 
• The administration's decision to pause the shipment of heavy ordnance to Israel amid the prospect of the launching of a full ground assault on Rafah is likely to feature prominently in questioning. Republicans by-and-large have decried the halting of provisions, while some progressive Dems have called for a more broad halt to arms to Israel.