The State Department has informed Congress of its intention to approve $8 billion in purchases of U.S.-made arms by Israel. This could potentially be the final arms transfers to Israel by President Biden and signifies continued support from the administration to a longstanding ally. The weapons package includes artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, missiles, and GPS guidance systems for bombs. While many of the weapons are not for immediate use and could take years for delivery, Israel would use money provided by the United States to make the purchases.
The annual aid provided to Israel was around $3 billion, but President Biden increased this amount after Israel began its war in Gaza following terrorist attacks by Hamas. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee are expected to review the proposed sales during an informal notification period. If they have doubts, they can hold up the transfers. Once the top members of both committees grant approval to the State Department, formal notification will be given to Congress, essentially ensuring the sales will go through unless there is a two-thirds vote in each house to block them.
The issue of arms transfers to Israel has been a point of contention among liberals and progressives, with some expressing opposition to Mr. Biden’s support of Israel. The Israeli military, equipped with U.S. weapons, has been involved in a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians, including many civilians. Critics have implored Mr. Biden to withhold weapons aid to pressure Israel to reduce its military operations in Gaza. Despite criticisms of Israel’s conduct of the war, Mr. Biden and his administration have tried to maintain a delicate balance, occasionally criticizing Israeli actions while affirming its right to self-defense.
During the conflict, Mr. Biden suspended a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel in an attempt to dissuade it from destroying a city in southern Gaza. However, the destruction of the city proceeded regardless. The administration has also delayed an order of assault rifles amid concerns that settlers in the West Bank could use them in violent acts against Palestinians. President-elect Donald J. Trump, known for his strong support of Israel, has been urging Israel and Hamas to agree to a cease-fire deal before he assumes office. American officials under Mr. Biden are working to negotiate a cease-fire to secure the release of hostages taken in the previous attacks.
In conclusion, the approval of $8 billion in arms sales to Israel highlights the ongoing support from the Biden administration to a key ally. The contentious issue of arms transfers to Israel has sparked opposition from liberals and progressives, with criticisms of Israel’s actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. While Mr. Biden and his administration have attempted to strike a balance in their approach to the conflict, they have faced challenges in navigating the complexities of the situation. The prospects of a cease-fire deal and the release of hostages remain key issues that American officials are working to address in the midst of escalating tensions in the region.
