Details of the Proposed Arms Deal
The Biden administration has formally notified Congress about a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel. This significant arms package includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads. Axios first reported these details, highlighting the scale and importance of the deal.
To proceed, the agreement requires approval from the House of Representatives and Senate committees. These congressional reviews are a crucial step in finalizing such major international arms transactions. The State Department, however, has not commented on the proposed sale, despite growing public and media interest.
U.S. Support Amid Widespread Criticism
For months, protesters have called for an arms embargo against Israel, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite these demands, U.S. policy has remained largely unchanged. The Biden administration has consistently defended its actions, emphasizing its commitment to supporting Israel. Officials argue that these arms are necessary for Israel to counter threats from Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
The United States has already approved significant military deals with Israel this year. In August, it authorized a $20 billion arms sale, including advanced fighter jets and other military equipment. These agreements underscore the strategic alliance between the two nations, even as criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza continues to grow.
The conflict has led to severe consequences in Gaza. Nearly all of the territory’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. A hunger crisis has emerged, alongside genocide accusations against Israel, which the Israeli government denies. The Gaza health ministry estimates over 45,000 people have died, with many others feared buried under rubble. The devastation has drawn widespread condemnation, but Washington has stood firmly by its ally.
A Prolonged Conflict with No Resolution in Sight
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have repeatedly failed. The war, now lasting over 15 months, began after an attack on October 7, 2023, by Hamas militants. This assault killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the capture of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Since then, the situation has only worsened, with mounting casualties and growing international outcry.
The U.S. has also drawn criticism for its stance in international forums. Washington, as Israel’s most significant ally and primary arms supplier, has vetoed multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. This unwavering support reflects deep-rooted ties between the two nations, but it also isolates the United States on the global stage.
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, his administration continues to reinforce its strong backing for Israel. President-elect Donald Trump, who will succeed Biden, is also a staunch supporter of Israel. Both leaders have emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel partnership, signaling that this alliance will remain a cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy.
The Biden administration maintains that its actions are essential for helping Israel defend itself against regional threats. However, the humanitarian crisis and the prolonged conflict in Gaza present challenges that neither Washington nor international diplomacy has yet resolved.
