WASHINGTON — The State Department has apprised Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel as the nation continues its military operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Some of the weapons in the package may be sourced from existing U.S. stockpiles, but most will require a delivery timeframe of one to several years, according to U.S. officials who spoke on condition of anonymity prior to the formal Congressional notification.
This comprehensive arms package includes medium-range air-to-air missiles for enhanced defense against aerial threats, 155 mm artillery shells for long-range precision targeting, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, and 500-pound bombs, among other military assets.
The latest sale significantly adds to the exceptional $17.9 billion in military aid the U.S. has allocated to Israel since the onset of the current conflict, which was ignited by Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
The Biden administration is facing mounting scrutiny over the rising civilian casualties among Palestinians, with protests on college campuses and failed legislative efforts to curb offensive arms sales led by some congressional members.
In May, the U.S. halted the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel due to grave concerns regarding potential civilian impacts during military operations in southern Gaza. The administration has insisted that Israel facilitate increased humanitarian aid to alleviate the crisis. Nevertheless, as of November, with some limited progress reported, the administration opted against imposing restrictions on arms transfers.
In recent days, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties and adding to the tens of thousands killed since the conflict’s escalation. The Israeli military has stated that it targeted numerous Hamas command centers, asserting that their operations are aimed solely at militants, while attributing civilian casualties to Hamas’s tactics of operating within densely populated areas.
The ongoing conflict has led to catastrophic destruction and displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been uprooted multiple times. With winter now underway, hundreds of thousands are seeking refuge in tents along the coastline.
The informal communication to Congress is a preliminary step; the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will conduct a review of the proposed arms package before any formal sale can proceed.
