US government to sell another $8 billion weapons package to Israel

(CLO) The Biden administration has just notified the US Congress of a plan to sell $8 billion worth of weapons to Israel, according to a source familiar with the plan on January 4.

The US State Department has "informally notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to support Israel's long-term security by adding ammunition and critical air defense capabilities," an unnamed official said.

This preliminary notice allows congressional committees to scrutinize the plan before it is formally announced.

Lockheed Martin AGM-114M Hellfire II missile. Photo: Stahlkocher, CC BY-SA 3.0

The weapons package includes: medium-range air-to-air missiles to deal with aerial threats, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, 155mm artillery shells to attack long-range targets, and a 500-pound (about 227 kg) warhead.

Since Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza in response to the group’s surprise attack on October 7, the Biden administration has provided billions of dollars in military aid to Israel. President Biden has repeatedly affirmed his “ironclad” support for Israel.

But military support amid a mounting Palestinian death toll – now more than 45,700 according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Authority – and worsening living conditions for civilians, is becoming a politically sensitive issue in the US.

Many Arab and Muslim Americans, along with some progressive groups, have previously said they will not vote for Mr. Biden in the 2024 presidential election unless he stops arms aid to Israel. Students at dozens of American universities have staged protests against this aid.

Donald Trump, a strong supporter of Israel, said during his presidential campaign that he would quickly end the war in Gaza if elected, but did not elaborate on how he would do so.

According to the United Nations, around 70% of those killed in the conflict in Gaza are women and children. Aid agencies describe the harsh living conditions facing civilians there.

After threatening to cut off arms supplies to Israel if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve, the US administration has not followed through. In recent days, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed hundreds more people, according to the Gaza Health Authority.

Cao Phong (according to CNN, Reuters, NPR)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chinh-quyen-my-sap-ban-them-goi-vu-khi-8-ty-usd-cho-israel-post329027.html