U.S. President Joe Biden has informed Congress about plans to sell $8 billion worth of weapons to Israel, according to the U.S. State Department. A U.S. official confirmed the news to the BBC.
The shipment of these weapons will require approval from both the House and Senate committees. The shipment will include missiles, ammunition, and various other types of military equipment. This announcement comes just two weeks before President Biden is set to leave the White House.
Despite calls to withhold military aid to Israel due to the high number of civilian casualties in Gaza, Washington has rejected such appeals. Last August, the U.S. approved a $20 billion proposal to sell fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
Officials say the latest planned shipment includes air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and bombs.
A source involved in the sale told the BBC on Saturday, “The President has made it clear that Israel has the right to defend its citizens and to counter aggression from Iran and its proxies, in accordance with international law and international human rights law. We will continue to provide Israel with the necessary capabilities for its defense.”
Biden frequently describes U.S. support for Israel as “unbreakable.” The United States is Israel’s largest weapons supplier and also helps Israel develop advanced military technologies.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), 69% of Israel’s weapons imports from 2019 to 2023 came from the United States.
Previously, in May last year, the U.S. suspended a shipment of 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs due to concerns over Israel’s ground operations in Rafah city in southern Gaza. This decision sparked criticism from Washington’s Republicans, while Benjamin Netanyahu compared it to an “arms embargo.” Biden later partially lifted the suspension.
The current planned shipment is one of several recent actions taken by the Biden administration. However, this may be the last arms sale to Israel before President Biden leaves office. Donald Trump is set to take office as president on January 20 and has emphasized ending foreign conflicts. In his campaign, Trump pledged to reduce U.S. involvement in conflicts, though he identifies as a staunch supporter of Israel. He has also called on Israel to expedite its military operations in Gaza.
Following an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israeli territory, the Israeli military launched a ground offensive in Gaza. On October 7, 2023, the attack killed 1,200 people and captured 251. Since then, Israel’s operations in Gaza have reportedly killed 45,580 people, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza.