The Wall Street Journal reports that the Biden administration has informed Congress of its intention to proceed with over $1 billion in new arms deals for Israel. This announcement comes from U.S. and congressional officials and follows a brief halt of a bomb shipment due to concerns about a proposed Israeli attack on Rafah.
The latest weapons package may comprise a transfer of tank ammunition valued at $700 million, tactical vehicles worth $500 million, and mortar rounds costing $60 million, as per officials’ statements. There are no restrictions on the usage of these weapons.
The Biden administration has notified Congress of its intention to transfer weapons worth $1 billion to Israel. This follows the U.S. decision to withhold certain munitions shipments to Israel due to concerns regarding a ground offensive in Gaza’s Rafah city. Congressional approval is required for this transfer, which is included in a newly signed funding package allocating approximately $14 billion for Israel’s defense.
The New York Times reports that the potential arms transfer underscores the delicate balance the Biden administration is maintaining with Israel. It aims to avert an attack on Rafah and minimize civilian casualties in Gaza, while still providing support to a longstanding ally, which the president asserts has the right to self-defense. A congressional aide noted that Congress had knowledge of the arms deal for some time and implied that the administration may have delayed the necessary congressional notification process until after the passage of a foreign aid package that included additional assistance for Israel.
At a recent press briefing, Jake Sullivan, the White House National Security Adviser, cited a continued commitment to providing Israel with military assistance to defend itself against regional threats. The White House plans to send Sullivan to Israel as early as next week to explore various options for how Israel might neutralize the four remaining battalions in Rafah without jeopardizing the safety of 2 million innocent civilians.
Jim Williams reports on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, providing both written articles and video coverage on a range of issues in the Middle East
Washington based CEO & Founder of LJC. Media covering politics, sports, & entertainment A seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director, and podcast host. Digital Director and Washington Bureau Chief at News Talk Florida & The Daily Cable
