US Army chief says Congress must act to ensure arms to both Israel and Ukraine

By Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Army on Monday said it would need Congress to approve additional funding to ensure the Pentagon's munitions production and acquisition plans can simultaneously meet the needs of both Israel and Ukraine.

Army Secretary Christine Wormuth made the comments as the U.S. House of Representatives is effectively paralyzed as Republicans work to select a new speaker.

Israel, America's closest ally in the Middle East, has declared war after an unprecedented, surprise attack on Saturday by Hamas fighters left hundreds dead. The spiraling violence threatens to start a major new war in the Middle East.

Washington has promised aid to Israel in the wake of the Hamas attacks, including by sending munitions, with the first shipment of security assistance expected to arrive in days.

"One thing that is really important in terms of the munitions in particular and our ability to support both potentially the Israelis and the Ukrainians simultaneously is additional funding from Congress to be able to increase our capacity, in terms of our capacity to expand production and then to also pay for the munitions themselves," Wormuth told reporters at an Army event.

"We need additional support from Congress. So I hope we'll see that soon."

Wormuth said the Army was still in "early stages" of reviewing Israel's requests for support, including whether providing such assistance would affect U.S. military readiness. The U.S. has carried out similar reviews weighing Ukrainian requests for assistance.

"But I would argue, that just as we lean forward with Ukraine, I think the intent is to lean forward in support of Israel," she said.

Army Chief of Staff General Randy George also expressed optimism, saying: "I am confident that we'll be able to provide them what they've asked for."

Neither George or Wormuth gave specifics.

On Sunday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the U.S. will send the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean, closer to Israel. The force includes the nuclear-powered carrier, a guided missile cruiser and four guided missile destroyers.

Austin also said the U.S. had taken steps to augment Air Force F-35, F-15, F-16, and A-10 fighter aircraft squadrons in the region.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart; editing by Grant McCool)