Congress Notified of $8B U.S. Weapons Sale to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Biden administration has notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, including air-to-air missiles, artillery shells, and bombs. This package adds to the record $17.9 billion in U.S. military aid since the Gaza war began in October 2023.
U.S. Weapons Sale to Israel: Quick Looks
- Proposed Sale: Includes air-to-air missiles, 155 mm artillery shells, and Hellfire missiles.
- Delivery Timeline: Some arms could be sent immediately; others will take years to deliver.
- Record Aid: Adds to $17.9 billion in U.S. military assistance since October 2023.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Critics cite civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
- Congress Review: Leaders of key committees will evaluate the package before final approval.
Congress Notified of $8B U.S. Weapons Sale to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict
Deep Look
The Biden administration has informed Congress of plans for an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel, signaling continued U.S. support for its ally amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The proposed sale includes a mix of immediate and long-term deliveries, with key items designed to bolster Israel’s defense and offensive capabilities.
Contents of the Arms Package
The weapons package includes:
- Medium-range air-to-air missiles.
- 155 mm artillery shells for long-range targeting.
- Hellfire AGM-114 missiles.
- 500-pound bombs and additional munitions.
While some items may be drawn from current U.S. military stocks, the majority will require production and could take years to arrive.
Record Military Aid
This sale builds on at least $17.9 billion in U.S. military aid provided to Israel since the war began in October 2023, following Hamas-led attacks. The support underscores the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security, despite growing domestic and international criticism.
Humanitarian Concerns
The Biden administration faces criticism over the rising civilian toll in Gaza, where airstrikes and destruction have displaced 90% of the 2.3 million population. Recent Israeli airstrikes have killed dozens, adding to the tens of thousands of deaths since the conflict began.
In May 2024, the U.S. paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs over concerns about civilian casualties but resumed transfers in November after noting some progress in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
Critics, including Senator Bernie Sanders and other Democrats, have called for restrictions on offensive weapons sales to Israel, citing the humanitarian crisis and widespread displacement in the region.
Congressional Review
The proposed weapons sale is in the early stages of approval. The House Foreign Affairs Committee and Senate Foreign Relations Committee leaders will review the package. If approved, it will proceed to formal notification and finalization.
Broader Context
The war in Gaza, now over a year old, has caused widespread destruction and heightened tensions in the region. Israel’s military insists it targets only Hamas militants and blames civilian casualties on the group’s operations in densely populated areas.
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