The Biden administration has officially informed Congress about a significant proposed arms sale to Israel, valued at US$8 billion. This move aims to reinforce Israel’s military capabilities in the wake of extensive warfare in Gaza.
Details of the Arms Package
According to a US official, the proposed sale includes a range of munitions crucial for Israel’s defence system. Key components of the package are:
- Medium-range air-to-air missiles
- Hellfire AGM-114 missiles
- 155mm projectile artillery shells
- 500-pound warheads
This initial notification serves to allow congressional committees the chance to inspect and discuss the proposed deal prior to formal approval.
Political Sensitivity and Public Opinion
As conflicts escalate—resulting in a reported death toll exceeding 45,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry—support for continued arms aid has become a contentious issue. Many Arab and Muslim Americans, alongside progressive groups, have signalled their intent to reconsider voting for Biden in the upcoming elections unless there’s a shift in military aid policy toward Israel.
Continued US Support for Israel
Despite the growing criticism, the Biden administration has reaffirmed its commitment to Israel’s security. Officials have stated that the sale is vital for defending against hostile forces from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
In previous agreements, the US has already provided substantial military support to Israel, including a recent US$20 billion package that included fighter jets and other armaments.
As the situation unfolds in the region, how the Biden administration navigates this arms sale and implications on both domestic and international fronts will be closely monitored.