Rep. Steve Scalise wins GOP nomination for House speaker
Oct 11, 2023
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Rep. Steve Scalise wins GOP nomination for House speaker. Topics include Israeli government accusing Iranian regime of funding Hamas, struggle to elect speaker in House Republican Conference, ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, mobilization efforts in Israel, and Iran's support of Hamas.
Rep. Steve Scalise has been nominated as the candidate for Speaker of the House, but he lacks the necessary votes to secure the position.
Iran has been a long-standing supporter of Hamas and a major supplier of weaponry and resources.
Israel has called up over 300,000 reservists, preparing for a possible ground operation in response to Hamas' attack.
Deep dives
Extent of Damage and Attacks in Israel
The city of Ashkelon has been heavily bombarded by Hamas rockets, causing widespread damage and forcing residents to seek shelter. The Iron Dome defense system has intercepted most of the rockets, but the random nature of the attacks causes fear and uncertainty. Israeli forces are massing near the Gaza border, and tank fire has been reported. The conflict has taken a toll on civilians, with many businesses closed and roads quiet. Despite the ongoing attacks, life in some areas continues, albeit with caution.
Israeli and American Intelligence on Iran's Involvement
Israeli sources indicate strong belief that Iran was involved in supporting Hamas in the recent attacks, providing funding, training, and supplies. However, US intelligence sources offer conflicting information, suggesting that Iranian officials were caught off guard by the timing of the attack. While the extent of Iran's direct involvement remains uncertain, it is clear that Iran has been a long-standing supporter of Hamas and a major supplier of weaponry and resources.
Unresolved Speaker Vote in Congress
The majority of House Republicans have selected Congressman Steve Scalise of Louisiana as their nominee for the next speaker of the House. However, Scalise still needs to secure the support of 217 members on the House floor, and as of now, he only has 110 votes. Some members are undecided or opposed to his candidacy, which presents a challenge for him to unite the party and gain the necessary votes. The delay in electing a speaker hampers the functioning of the US legislative branch.
Concerns of Hostages in Gaza
The US government, along with Israel and Egypt, is working on establishing a humanitarian quarter to facilitate the safe exit of US citizens and Palestinian civilians from Gaza. Efforts are underway to rescue and evacuate hostages and protect civilians affected by the conflict. The US government is committed to prioritizing the safety and recovery of these individuals, although operational details are still being worked out.
Challenges in Electing a House Speaker
Representative Steve Scalise has been nominated as the candidate for Speaker of the House, but he lacks the necessary votes to secure the position. Despite being nominated by a majority, he falls short of the 217 votes required for election. Scalise is meeting with members individually to address their concerns, but some members have reservations about his views, positions, and even his health. Alternative candidates like Jim Jordan have presented stronger, more detailed plans, leading to divided support within the Republican party. The uncertainty surrounding the House Speaker election raises questions about the future leadership of the House.
Israel's Call Up of Reservists and Concerns of Regional Escalation
Israel has called up over 300,000 reservists, preparing for a possible ground operation in response to Hamas' attack. While there are concerns about the potential involvement of Iran and Hezbollah, it is unclear whether they want to escalate the conflict further. The international community is urging restraint, fearing a widening regional war. The situation remains tense, with Israel closely monitoring the actions of neighboring countries and the potential impact on surrounding regions. Efforts to find a resolution and a leader who can unite the country are ongoing amidst the growing divisions during this crisis.
Behind closed doors today, the majority of Republicans chose Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.) to be their nominee to succeed Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif) as speaker. Plus, the war in the Middle East appears to be expanding as Israel has now formed an emergency wartime government. The Israeli government is also accusing the Iranian regime of giving the green light to Hamas.
For daily information on the Israel-Gaza conflict, check out CNN’s podcast ‘Tug of War: Attack on Israel’ here: https://link.chtbl.com/-lB8n-bJ
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