topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

jobs

transportation

business

stock-market-news

retail-news

crypto

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

pittsburgh

atlanta

san-diego

charlotte

boulder

washington-dc

kansas-city

dallas

denver

detroit

des-moines

austin

boston

chicago

cleveland

columbus

houston

indianapolis

miami

nashville

new-orleans

nw-arkansas

philadelphia

phoenix

portland

richmond

salt-lake-city

san-antonio

san-francisco

seattle

tampa-bay

twin-cities

raleigh

huntsville

colorado-springs

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

National

At least two members of Congress were able to depart Israel unharmed after being present for Hamas' incursions into the country this weekend.

Why it matters: The presence of multiple high-level American political figures in the country underscores how the surprise attacks — which have escalated into a full-scale war — caught both Israel and the U.S. off guard.

Driving the news: Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.), his wife and his three youngest children were in Israel for a family Bar Mitzvah when the attacks began, Goldman's spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday.

"Congressman Goldman and his family sheltered from Hamas rocket fire in their hotel's interior stairwell until early Sunday morning, when they were able to safely depart for New York," the statement said.

Goldman received assistance from both the State Department and Israeli authorities in getting out of the country, according to his spokesperson.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) was also in the country for planned meetings, site visits and an economic summit where he was scheduled to speak on Tuesday, according to his office.

Booker and accompanying staffers were in Jerusalem when the attacks were launched and "sheltered in place for their safety," his spokesperson said in a statement.

Booker was "able to safely depart Israel" earlier on Sunday, the spokesperson said.

What they're saying: In a video posted to the social media X, Booker said he was jogging in Jerusalem's Old City "when I got an urgent call from my chief of staff telling me to get back to the hotel as quickly as I could — that Israel was under attack. There were thousands of rockets being launched."

"When I got back to the hotel I joined others in the bomb shelter or the stairwells," Booker said. "Frightened faces. There were children and elderly, families, many Americans. There was a sense of fear and worry, and a knowledge to many of us that there were horrific things going on."

The big picture: At least 700 Israelis and 413 Palestinians have died in the fighting so far, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying Sunday that several Americans may be among the dead.

Americans have also reportedly been taken hostage by Hamas militants along with Israelis and other foreign nationals, according to Israel's ambassador to the U.S. Michael Herzog.

Go deeper: Death toll rises in Israel and Gaza as fighting rages: What to know

Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Sen. Cory Booker.

Death toll rises in Israel and Gaza as fighting rages: What to know

Two U.S. lawmakers leave Israel after sheltering in place during attacks

Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Dan Goldman both sheltered in place during Hamas rocket attacks.

Sen. Cory Booker. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images.

Congress

Politics & Policy

The chair and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, are preparing a bipartisan resolution affirming U.S. support for Israel and condemning Hamas' attacks on the country, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: Chair Michael McCaul (R-Texas) said in a statement he expects the measure "to be one of the first, if not the first items considered on the floor once we elect a new Speaker."

Lawmakers have expressed concerns that the House's inability to conduct business in the absence of a permanent speaker has made them impotent at a watershed foreign policy moment.

Driving the news: The resolution, a draft copy of which was obtained by Axios, affirms the U.S.'s "commitment to Israel's security, including through security assistance" and calls for "full enforcement" of sanctions on Iran.

It also condemns "Iran's support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad" and calls on all countries to "unequivocally condemn Hamas' brutal war."

The measure is being led by McCaul and Ranking Member Greg Meeks (D-N.Y.) and is being circulated to members of the Foreign Affairs Committee for co-sponsors.

The big picture: At least 700 Israelis and 413 Palestinians have died in the fighting following Hamas' surprise attacks against Israel on Saturday.

President Biden told Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu in a call on Sunday that the U.S. plans to send additional military assistance to Israel, Axios' Barak Ravid reported.

But while the administration doesn't require congressional authorization for its initial assistance package, Biden officials are concerned that chaos in the House, most notably the lack of a speaker, could hamper approval of more aid.

What they're saying: "Now is the time to show the world the United States firmly stands with our friend and ally Israel in our condemnation of this heinous attack by Iran-backed terrorists," McCaul said in a statement.

McCaul said when the bill comes to the floor, he expects it to "receive overwhelming bipartisan support."

"The bipartisan resolution will demonstrate this is one issue in which the US House of Representatives is united, and I expect it to pass the House with broad bipartisan support," said Meeks.

Scoop: House committee heads prepare bipartisan pro-Israel measure

The resolution calls for "full enforcement" of U.S. sanctions on Iran and reaffirms U.S. assistance to Israel.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul and Ranking Member Greg Meeks. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images.

House of Representatives

President Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a call on Sunday that additional military assistance is "now on its way to Israel with more to follow over the coming days," according to the White House. 

Why it matters: Israel is preparing for a wide-ranging offensive against Hamas, which launched an unprecedented invasion of Israeli territory on Saturday. The Israeli operation could lead to a ground operation in Gaza that would likely take many weeks and could lead to an escalation in other parts of the region.

Israel's request for aid on the first day of the war signals how much firepower it expects to need as the conflict unfolds.

Details: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said in a statement that the U.S. "will be rapidly providing the Israel Defense Forces with additional equipment and resources, including munitions."

"The first security assistance will begin moving today and arriving in the coming days," he added. 

Two U.S. officials said the Israeli Ministry of Defense had already given the Pentagon an initial list of weapons they needed, which included munitions for fighter jets.

Austin also said that he has "directed several steps to strengthen Department of Defense posture in the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts." This includes the movement of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Eastern Mediterranean.

"The U.S. maintains ready forces globally to further reinforce this deterrence posture if required," Austin said. 

What they're saying: Biden's call with Netanyahu on Sunday was the two leaders' second call since the Hamas invasion began.

"President Biden updated the prime minister on the intensive diplomatic engagement undertaken by the United States over the last 24 hours in support of Israel," the White House said in a readout of the call. 

"The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to ensure that no enemies of Israel believe they can or should seek advantage from the current situation," it added. "The two leaders committed to stay in regular contact over the coming days."

Zoom in: The initial assistance package doesn't need Congress' signoff, a U.S. official said, but the Biden administration is concerned that the chaos among House Republicans could hamper approval of more aid, a senior U.S. official told reporters Saturday.

Most business in the House has been at a standstill since Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted as speaker last week in a move led by far-right Republicans.

"Congress will definitely have a role (in approving aid to Israel), and without a speaker, this could be a problem," the U.S. official said.

What to watch: A senior Israeli official said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is expected to speak to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant later Sunday for the second time since the war broke out.

Go deeper: Biden warns Israel's enemies against taking advantage of fighting in Israel, Gaza

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional details throughout. 

unprecedented invasion of Israeli territory

Biden tells Netanyahu military aid "now on its way" to Israel with more to come

This includes sending a U.S. carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean to "bolster regional deterrence efforts."

Israeli forces arrive on an armoured personnel carrier (APC) as additional troops are deployed near the southern city of Sderot on October 8, 2023. 

Israeli forces are deployed near the southern Israeli city of Sderot. Photo: Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images

Israel

Conflicts, policies and powers are intersecting and shaping the world. Breaking news and analysis of national security, foreign policy and global crises.

World

This Week With George Stephanopoulos-9 30 14 Am - 9 31 34 Am-2023-10-08

Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) dismissed the idea of former President Trump being the next House speaker Sunday. 

Driving the news: Trump, the 2024 GOP presidential frontrunner, inserted himself into the House speaker succession battle after Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was ousted in a historic vote this past week. 

Trump teased taking up the gavel this past week, saying he would accept the speakership for "a short period of time" until GOP lawmakers reached a decision on a new speaker, per a Fox News Digital interview. 

"…I'm not doing it because I want to — I will do it if necessary, should they not be able to make their decision," Trump told Fox News Digital.

What he's saying: "That's not gonna happen," Buck said Sunday on ABC's "This Week" when its anchor, George Stephanopoulos, pointed out several GOP House lawmakers suggested Trump be considered for speaker. 

Some of those lawmakers include Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.). 

"No, it shouldn't happen and, you know, we have a lot of talent inside the House. We'll settle this inside the House Republican Conference, and we will elect someone that will have the unity and the backing of the full conference," he added. 

Catch up quick: This past week, Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) announced they were both running for House speaker.

Trump, who has weighed a potential visit to the Capitol, endorsed Jordan for speaker Friday.

House Republicans will hold their candidate forum on Tuesday, followed by an internal election on Wednesday. 

Zoom out: Despite the unlikelihood of Trump stepping up for a speaker bid, GOP House rules and his own legal challenges complicate the matter. 

Trump has been indicted four times in four different jurisdictions this year. 

GOP House rules currently prohibit anyone under a criminal indictment on felony charges carrying more than a two-year sentence from Republican leadership, though Republicans could change the rules or simply elect the former president as speaker without nominating him.

Asked whether he would support Trump for president, Buck said he would support the Republican nominee.

"I have said I don't believe a convicted felon should be president of the United States. So, I believe that my fellow Republicans will not ... nominate a convicted felon for the position," Buck said. 

Go deeper: Trump inserts himself into the House speaker succession battle

Trump inserts himself into the House speaker succession battle

Rep. Ken Buck shuts down idea of Trump as next House speaker

Trump teased taking up the gavel this past week, saying he would accept the speakership for "a short period of time."

Donald Trump

Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) speaks during an interview on ABC's "This Week" Sunday. 

This Week With George Stephanopoulos-9 06 44 Am - 9 09 28 Am-2023-10-08

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday that the world "should be revolted" by Hamas' attack on Israel. 

The big picture: Hamas caught Israel by surprise early Saturday when it launched thousands of missiles, broke through the border barrier between Israel and Gaza and invaded several Israeli villages and towns. 

Hamas took a "significant number" of Israelis hostage, IDF international spokesperson Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus told CNN. 

Speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation" Sunday, Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog also said he understood Americans were among those taken hostage by Hamas, though Blinken said he could not confirm the information but the U.S. was working to verify reports. 

As of Sunday, at least 700 Israelis and 413 Palestinians have died since the attack began, per health authorities. Thousands have been injured.  

What he's saying: "This is a massive terrorist attack that is gunning down Israeli civilians in their towns, in their homes, and as we've seen so graphically, literally dragging people across the border with Gaza, including a Holocaust survivor in a wheelchair, women and children," Blinken said on ABC's "This Week."

Blinken also noted this was the worst attack on Israel since the 1973 Yom Kippur War, which began almost 50 years ago to the day.

Catch up quick: Israel formally declared war on Sunday, setting the stage for a massive military operation. 

On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Palestinians living in the densely-populated Gaza to leave places where Hamas fighters are hiding ahead of Israel's planned military response to the attack.

President Biden, who said the U.S. stands with Israel, is planning to announce military aid to Israel, though the chaos in Congress and the current lack of a permanent House speaker could hinder such efforts.

Between the lines: Like the Israeli government, the Biden administration was surprised by the Hamas attack. Two U.S. officials told Axios' Barak Ravid that there was no intelligence that even remotely suggested such a scenario. 

"There will be time to look at that, and to make determinations about what may have been missed," Blinken said of potential intelligence failures. "Right now, the focus has to be on the effort ... to repel the aggression by the Hamas terrorists, to push them back, and to put Israel in a position where this doesn't happen again."

Go deeper: Death toll rises in Israel and Gaza as fighting continues: What to know

Editor's note: This story has been updated with new death toll figures from health authorities. 

Death toll rises in Israel and Gaza as fighting continues: What to know

Blinken says world "should be revolted" by Hamas attack on Israel

Blinken noted this was the worst attack on Israel since 1973 during the Yom Kippur War nearly 50 years ago.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks during an interview on ABC's "This Week." 

The Biden administration is planning to announce military aid for Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza but is concerned that the chaos among House Republicans could hamper approval of more aid, a senior U.S. official told reporters Saturday.

Why it matters: Israel is expected to go on a massive counter-offensive in Gaza that could take several weeks and likely will need additional U.S. military assistance — especially if the war expands to other arenas, such as Lebanon.

Driving the news: Biden administration officials began speaking to their Israeli counterparts Saturday morning about possible U.S. military assistance, the U.S. official told reporters. An announcement on aid could come as soon as Sunday.

The issue came up during calls between Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, and between Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command and Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.

The U.S. official said the administration has made it clear to Israeli officials across the political spectrum that it is ready to give Israel all the help it needs, and talks on specific assistance have begun.

U.S. military assistance to Israel also was discussed earlier Saturday during a call between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, according to the White House and Netanyahu's office. The U.S. official said Biden instructed his team to give Israel all the support it needs, including intelligence sharing and other assistance.

Biden's team worried House chaos might impact aid to Israel

Israel is expected to go on a massive counter-offensive in Gaza that could take several weeks.

Axios

Sunday's top stories

Two U.S. lawmakers leave Israel after sheltering in place during attacks

Scoop: House committee heads prepare bipartisan pro-Israel measure

Biden tells Netanyahu military aid "now on its way" to Israel with more to come

Rep. Ken Buck shuts down idea of Trump as next House speaker

Blinken says world "should be revolted" by Hamas attack on Israel

Biden's team worried House chaos might impact aid to Israel

Hamas attack delivers major blow to Biden's push for Saudi-Israel normalization

House GOP lawmakers shrug off Trump's speaker endorsement

Indian Americans now largest Asian American group in U.S.

Get ready for 8% mortgages

Charted: U.S. panda loans on "paws"