The Biden administration has informed Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, a US official said on Friday, emphasising continued support for its ally amid a Gaza war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The deal, which requires approval from the House of Representatives and Senate committees, includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads, according to a report by Axios. The State Department has not commented on the matter.
For months, protesters have called for an arms embargo against Israel, but US policy remains unchanged. In August, the US approved the sale of $20 billion worth of fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
The Biden administration maintains that such support is aimed at helping Israel defend against Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
Despite international criticism, Washington continues to back Israel’s operations in Gaza, which have displaced nearly all of its 2.3 million residents, created a hunger crisis, and led to accusations of genocide that Israel denies. The Gaza health ministry estimates the death toll at over 45,000, with many more potentially trapped beneath rubble.
The Israeli war in Gaza, now entering its 15th month, began after a Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and saw approximately 250 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures. Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to bring an end to the conflict.
The US, Israel’s largest ally and arms supplier, has also previously vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
President Joe Biden, a Democrat and staunch supporter of Israel, is set to leave office on 20 January, when Republican President-elect Donald Trump, also a strong backer of Israel, will take office.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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