- The Biden administration has notified Congress of an $8 billion arms sale to Israel.
- The package includes bombs, missiles, and artillery shells to enhance Israel’s defense capabilities.
- Congressional approval is required for the sale to proceed.
- The announcement follows the US’s recent $20 billion arms deal with Israel.
- The deal aligns with US policy supporting Israel’s right to self-defense amid regional tensions.
The Biden administration has announced plans for an $8 billion arms sale to Israel. The package includes precision-guided bombs, air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, and artillery shells. This proposed sale, pending Congressional approval, comes as President Joe Biden approaches the end of his term on January 20, 2025.
The deal reflects ongoing US support for Israel’s security amid heightened regional tensions. A senior administration official emphasized that the weapons aim to deter threats from Iran and its proxy organizations, ensuring Israel’s ability to defend its citizens.
The United States is Israel’s largest arms supplier, accounting for 69% of Israel’s major conventional weapons imports between 2019 and 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The military alliance between the two nations remains strong, with the US providing $3.8 billion in annual military aid to Israel.
In August 2024, the US approved a $20 billion arms deal with Israel, further strengthening its defense capabilities. The latest proposal underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to maintaining Israel’s military edge in the region.
Concerns Over Humanitarian Impact
The arms deal announcement comes amid criticism of Israel’s operations in Gaza, which began after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023. The conflict has resulted in over 45,580 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Moreover, humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about civilian casualties and restricted aid access in the region.
In May 2024, the US temporarily paused a shipment of 2,000lb and 500lb bombs to Israel over concerns about a major ground operation in Rafah, a densely populated city in Gaza. Consequently, this pause highlighted the administration’s delicate balancing act between supporting Israel and addressing humanitarian considerations.
This $8 billion arms deal is seen as one of Biden’s final actions to solidify his foreign policy legacy. However, it has sparked debate within the US, especially among Democratic lawmakers and younger voters who demand greater accountability for Israel’s military actions.
The Biden administration has faced growing calls to temper its support for Israel due to concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Furthermore, these issues could influence voter sentiment as Biden prepares for a re-election campaign against Donald Trump.
The proposed arms sale highlights the US’s strategic role in the Middle East. While Biden has affirmed the “ironclad” US-Israel alliance, his administration has also taken steps to pressure Israel on humanitarian issues. Delays in arms shipments and public warnings about operations in Rafah demonstrate a nuanced approach to the partnership.
Other nations are closely monitoring the US’s actions. Similarly, if Washington reduces its military support for Israel, international allies like the UK may face similar pressures to reconsider their policies.
In conclusion, The proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel underscores the US’s commitment to its ally’s security while reflecting broader geopolitical complexities. As the Biden administration navigates domestic and international challenges, the balance between military support and humanitarian concerns remains a critical issue.
Congress’s decision on the arms deal will shape the final chapter of Biden’s presidency and set the tone for US-Israel relations under the incoming administration.