“Bombshell Arms Deal: US Prepares to Pump $8 Billion into Israel’s Military Arsenal”
US Approves $8 Billion in Weapons Sales to Israel Amid Gaza War
The US State Department has informed Congress of its intention to approve Israel’s purchase of $8 billion in US-made weapons, a move that could be the Biden administration’s final arms transfer to Israel. This decision marks the administration’s continued support for a long-time ally despite rising criticism over the escalating conflict in Gaza.
The weapons package includes artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, fighter and helicopter missiles, and bomb GPS guidance systems, according to informal notifications provided to two congressional committees. Many of these weapons will not be available immediately, as they will enter the manufacturing pipeline, where delivery can take years.
Israel will use funds provided by the United States to purchase these weapons, with annual aid totalling approximately $3 billion. However, President Biden increased the amount after Israel began a war in Gaza following a Hamas terrorist attack that killed about 1,200 people on October 7, 2023.
During the informal notification period, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee will review the proposed sale and raise questions to the State Department. If they have doubts, they can pause the transfer. Top Democrats on both committees have been more skeptical of arms transfers to Israel, while top Republicans have been quick to approve.
Once four senior members give the State Department the go-ahead, the agency will send a formal notification to Congress, essentially meaning the proposed sale will be approved. Congress would need a two-thirds vote in each chamber to pass a resolution blocking the sale.
Arms transfers to Israel have been a contentious issue that has dogged the Biden administration. In the November presidential election, some progressive voters and some Muslim American voters said they could not support Biden because of his staunch support for Israel.
During the war, Israeli forces armed by the United States have killed more than 45,000 Palestinians, including many civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Critics of Israel’s war have implored Biden to halt arms aid to Israel to force it to curb military operations that have devastated much of Gaza.
Biden and his top aides, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have tried to walk a delicate line, at times criticizing Israel’s behavior even as they said Israel had the right to defend itself. Biden has also taken steps to hold back some transfers of weapons, such as a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, in an attempt to prevent Israel’s destruction of the southern Gaza city of Rafah. However, the Israeli military reduced much of Rafah to rubble anyway.
The decision has sparked controversy, with some arguing that the weapons sales will only fuel the conflict and lead to further devastating consequences for the Palestinians.
FAQ
Q: What is the total value of the weapons package approved by the US State Department?
A: The total value of the weapons package is $8 billion.
Q: What types of weapons are included in the package?
A: The package includes artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, fighter and helicopter missiles, and bomb GPS guidance systems.
Q: How will Israel pay for the weapons?
A: Israel will use funds provided by the United States to purchase the weapons, with annual aid totalling approximately $3 billion.
Q: Has the Biden administration always been a strong supporter of Israel?
A: No, the Biden administration has tried to walk a delicate line, at times criticizing Israel’s behavior even as they said Israel had the right to defend itself.
Conclusion
The decision to approve $8 billion in weapons sales to Israel is a complex issue that has sparked controversy and debate. While some argue that the weapons will help Israel defend itself against Hamas and other terrorist organizations, others argue that the sales will only fuel the conflict and lead to further devastating consequences for the Palestinians. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, it is essential for the international community to remain vigilant and push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
