U.S. Proposes $8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel Amidst Gaza Conflict
The Biden administration has notified U.S. Congress of a proposed arms sale to Israel valued at $8 billion, announced Reuters on Saturday, January 4, 2025. The sale comes amidst Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which has claimed thousands of lives.
The proposed sale, which requires further approval from the House of Representatives and Senate committees, includes ammunition for fighter jets and armored combat vehicles, artillery shells, and a range of smaller-diameter bombs and warheads.
While the U.S. State Department has not yet commented on the report, a unnamed U.S. official told Axios that the package also comprises ammunition for helicopters and a number of different types of bombs.
This development occurs as protesters in the U.S. have been rallying for months, demanding an arms embargo against Israel. However, most of Washington’s policies towards its ally remain unchanged. Last August, the U.S. approved a $20 billion arms deal with Israel, including fighter jets and other military equipment.
The Biden administration has stated that it is assisting its close ally in defending against militant groups backed by Iran, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
The proposed sale has reignited debates around U.S. arms exports and its support for Israel amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
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