5th January 2025 – (Washington) The Biden administration has formally notified Congress of a proposed arms sale to Israel valued at $8 billion, according to two US officials. This move underscores Washington’s continued support for its ally amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
The proposed package requires approval from relevant Senate and House committees and comprises munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, as well as artillery shells. It also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads, with some munitions potentially drawn from existing U.S. stock, while the majority may take several years for delivery.
One source familiar with the details noted that President Biden has emphasised Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards. The arms package features AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles, designed to counter aerial threats, alongside 155mm artillery shells and Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, with an estimated $6.75 billion allocated for additional bombs and guidance systems.
Despite protests advocating for an arms embargo against Israel, US policy has remained largely unchanged. In August, the administration approved a separate arms deal worth $20 billion, which included fighter jets and other military equipment.
The Biden administration maintains that its support is crucial for Israel’s defence against militant groups backed by Iran, such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. Washington has faced international criticism for its steadfast backing of Israel during a military campaign that has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, estimated at 2.3 million, and led to accusations of genocide, which Israel has denied.
According to the Gaza health ministry, the death toll from the ongoing conflict has surpassed 45,000, with many individuals feared to be buried beneath rubble. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the 15-month-long conflict, sparked by an October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and the hostage-taking of around 250 individuals, have so far failed.
As Biden prepares to leave office on 20th January, he will be succeeded by Republican President-elect Donald Trump, both of whom have expressed robust support for Israel. Trump has previously stated that, if elected, he would work to swiftly end the Gaza conflict, although specifics on how he would achieve that remain unclear.
United Nations officials report that up to 70% of those killed in the hostilities in Gaza are women and children, with humanitarian agencies highlighting the dire conditions faced by civilians. While the Biden administration has urged Israel to enhance humanitarian aid efforts, it declined to follow through on threats to limit arms shipments if the aid situation did not improve.
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