In a recent interview on CNN's "State of the Union," House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul expressed concerns about the possibility of other Mid-East terror groups joining the ongoing attacks on Israel by Hamas. McCaul specifically mentioned the Taliban and Hezbollah as potential threats. While the Taliban is geographically separated from Israel, McCaul noted that he has seen indications of their desire to "liberate Jerusalem" and fight against the Zionists. He also highlighted the significant arsenal of rockets held by Hezbollah in Lebanon, which could pose a two-front war for Israel.

McCaul emphasized that, at the moment, Israel's military capability outweighs that of Hamas, but he cautioned that the situation could escalate if it turns into a larger jihadist conflict against the Zionists. The recent attack by Hamas caught Israel off-guard, leading the Israeli cabinet to invoke Article 40 Aleph, marking the country's first formally declared war since 1973.

McCaul placed blame on Iran for the violence unfolding in Israel and expressed his support for the Jewish state. He stressed the need for a full-fledged speaker in the House of Representatives to address the situation and potentially appropriate funding to replenish Israel's Iron Dome defense system. House Republicans are planning to hold a candidate forum for speaker, with Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise as the top contenders.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also spoke about the situation, urging his Republican colleagues to "get their act together" and elect a speaker who can receive 217 votes. Jeffries emphasized the importance of the US standing strongly behind Israel and expressed his support for additional appropriations for Israel's defense systems.

The recent ousting of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy has left the House without a designated speaker, with Rep. Patrick McHenry assuming the role of Speaker Pro Tempore. The uncertainty surrounding the speakership has raised concerns about the US response to the crisis in Israel.

Jeffries, as a member of the Gang of Eight, has received classified intelligence briefings on the situation in Israel and reaffirmed the commitment to Israel's security. He offered a "bipartisan path forward" in an op-ed and expressed the willingness of Democrats to find common ground with Republicans.

While discussions about the speakership situation are ongoing, it remains crucial to have strong leadership to address the crisis in Israel and ensure bipartisan priorities receive proper attention in the House.