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US President Joe Biden reiterated on his calls for a “sovereign and democratic” Palestinian state on Tuesday during his speech to the UN General Assembly.

Although he admitted that there is “a long way” to reach the goal of a Palestinian state, Biden said: “I continue to believe that a two-state solution is the best way to ensure Israel’s future as a Jewish democratic state, living in peace alongside a viable, sovereign and democratic Palestinian state.”

Biden’s comments comes at the same time with strong opposition in Washington over a bill to be passed by members of Congress, including $1 bn for Israel’s Iron Dome.

Several Democrats said they would not pass the bill if the allocation were included. It was a further sign of growing frustration among progressive lawmakers over the decadeslong stance of US support for Israel.

Biden said at the UN “The commitment of the United States to Israel’s security is without question, and our support for an independent Jewish state is unequivocal”. “We must seek a future of greater peace and security for all people of the Middle East,” he added.

The funds are widely expected to be approved, but at a later date. A Congressional aide, insisted that the Iron Dome funding would eventually be approved, but instead would be attached to the 2022 Defense Appropriations Bill.