Washington Approves Billions in Arms Transfers to Israel Amid Gaza Tensions
JERUSALEM — In the midst of escalating tensions with Israel over the Gaza War, reports have surfaced claiming that Washington has given the green light for arms transfers worth billions of dollars to its ally.
The approved arms include over 1,800 MK84 2,000lb (900kg) bombs, 500 MK82 500lb bombs, and 25 F35A fighter jets, according to The Washington Post and Reuters news agency.
These larger bombs have been linked to devastating air strikes in Gaza that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.
Despite providing $3.8bn (£3bn) in annual military assistance to Israel, the latest arms package comes as the Biden administration expresses concerns about the rising civilian deaths in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian access to the territory, which is on the brink of famine according to the UN.
The administration has also voiced opposition to an expected large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Rafah on the Egypt border, where over a million displaced people reside.
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ramallah has criticized the US for its conflicting positions, highlighting the contradiction in demanding Israel to stop killing civilians while simultaneously supplying it with weapons.
News of the arms transfers coincided with President Joe Biden acknowledging the impact of the Gaza war on the Arab-American community.
While the arms transfers have drawn criticism from some senior members of the Democratic party calling for restrictions on US military aid to Israel, the State Department stated that it cannot confirm potential transfers until formally notified by Congress.
The Washington Post reported that the additional warplanes sent to Israel were initially approved by Congress in 2008, and were requested last year in anticipation of the deadly attacks by Hamas that triggered the Gaza war.
During his recent visit to Washington, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reportedly presented a list of US weapons his country urgently needed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Israel’s military superiority in the region.
As Israel continues its intense aerial campaign in Gaza, relying heavily on American air defenses and munitions, concerns have been raised about the extensive use of large bombs in densely populated areas.
While tensions between Israel and the US reached a low during the Gaza war, recent signs indicate a potential easing of relations, with an Israeli delegation expected to visit Washington to discuss alternative strategies against Hamas in Rafah.
Additionally, Israel has agreed to resume talks with Egypt and Qatar to negotiate the release of hostages as part of a possible truce with Hamas, a move likely to be welcomed by the US.
Despite the controversies surrounding the arms transfers, the US remains committed to supporting Israel’s defense capabilities against threats from groups like Hamas.
