U.S. Democratic Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey has introduced a bill to arm some Syrian rebels groups. The move comes as a series of Israeli strikes inside Syria have heightened debate over potential U.S. involvement there. On Monday, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney defended Israel’s right to carry out the attacks.

Jay Carney: “Israel has for a long time been justifiably concerned about the transfer of sophisticated weaponry to Hezbollah. This is not just chemical weapons, but sophisticated weaponry, to Hezbollah. And it is certainly within their right to take action to protect themselves and to prevent that kind of weaponry from getting into the hands of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.”