Sunday shows preview: House attempts to expedite Israel aid amid ongoing war in Gaza

The escalating war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza will likely be the focus of the Sunday news shows. The conflict remains the center of attention in Washington as Congress debates over an aid bill for Israel. 

The Israeli military stepped up its ground invasion of Gaza on Friday, sending troops into Gaza City for the first time, as aid group leaders continue warnings over fuel shortages.

The Biden administration is advocating for a “humanitarian pause” in the conflict to help civilians in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Israel on Friday to push the issue, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled that there will be no pause.

A pair of Israeli officials will feature on the Sunday shows, U.S. Ambassador Michael Herzog on CBS’ “Face the Nation” and U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan on CNN’s “State of the Union.”

The Palestinian envoy to the U.K., Husam Zomlot, will also appear on “Face the Nation.”

The war began early last month after Hamas militants killed over a thousand Israeli civilians in a surprise attack on Israel. Responding Israeli air campaigns and a recent ground offensive have killed over 9,200 Palestinian people, including over 3,800 children, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry.

Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) will both be on “State of the Union.” The pair have taken opposite positions on the war, with Sanders in favor of the humanitarian pause while Graham urged the Israeli government to double down on its offensive.

“The destruction of Hamas is nonnegotiable,” Graham said in a CNN interview Tuesday. “I hate the loss of innocent lives. The day after Hamas is destroyed, I hope we have a better life for the Palestinian people. But I’m not blaming Israel. I’m blaming Hamas.”

Representing the Biden administration, Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer will appear on ABC’s “This Week.” and “Face the Nation.”

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Michael Mullen will also be on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” to give their perspectives.

The conflict has wrought intense debate in Congress, as the House and Senate go back and forth over how to pass $14.5 billion in requested aid for Israel. 

While both parties support the aid, Democrats and Senate Republicans support a full $100 billion aid package that includes funding for Ukraine and Taiwan, while House Republicans want to limit the spending just to Israel.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Thursday that the U.S. “cannot waste any time getting Israel the aid it needs.” His funding plan includes cuts to the IRS budget, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will increase the deficit by $26 billion.

Johnson will feature on “Fox News Sunday.”

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is in favor of President Biden’s full $100 billion ask, but there has been some opposition among the Senate GOP, namely Sens. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

“We need to support Speaker Johnson and not undermine him,” Sen. Johnson told The Hill this week. 

“Why would we hold up aid to Israel with a desire to load it up with other, more controversial items? It makes no sense whatsoever. [Senate] Republicans ought to recognize that fact, recognize that reality and support our new Speaker and not undermine him,” the senator said.

Sen. Johnson will feature on “Sunday Morning Futures.”

The aid debates have put support for Ukraine at risk, as that country’s conflict with Russia continues into its second winter. 

Disappointed by a lackluster fall counteroffensive, Republicans have shown little enthusiasm for continuing aid for Ukraine. The Biden administration announced an additional $425 million for the country on Friday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be the only guest on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday, while Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, will feature on “Face the Nation.”

The 2023 election is also just days away, and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin will be on “This Week” as part of his effort to advocate for GOP candidates in the state’s legislature races. All eyes are on Virginia as every seat is up for grabs in what could be a 2024 bellwether.

Below is the full list of guests scheduled to appear on this week’s Sunday talk shows:

ABC’s “This Week” — Deputy national security adviser Jon Finer; Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-Va.); House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.).

NBC’s “Meet the Press” — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

CBS’ “Face the Nation” — Finer; Michael Herzog, Israel’s ambassador to the United States; Husam Zomlot, the Palestinian envoy to the United Kingdom; Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas); Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.S..

CNN’s “State of the Union” — Sens. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Ct.); Ambassador Gilad Erdan, Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations.

“Fox News Sunday” — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.); Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.); Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio).

Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures” — Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.); Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis); Ben Carson, former HUD Secretary; Adm. Michael Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State.