The US Department of State has officially informed Congress of a proposed arms sale to Israel valued at $8 billion. This significant move comes as the Biden administration continues its military support for Israel amidst ongoing regional tensions.
The arms package, pending approval from both the House and Senate committees, consists of an array of weapons, including missiles, artillery shells, and other munitions. This announcement follows a previous approval in August for the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and military equipment to the nation.
This planned shipment features advanced air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and various bombs. The Biden administration has reiterated its commitment to Israel’s right to defend itself against aggression while adhering to international law and humanitarian standards.
Biden has consistently underscored the strong U.S. support for Israel, characterized as “iron-clad.” Statistics show that the United States is the largest supplier of arms to Israel, having significantly contributed to the development of one of the most advanced militaries globally. Between 2019 and 2023, the U.S. accounted for 69% of Israel’s major conventional arms imports, according to a reputable defense research institute.
The escalation of violence in the region has been marked by Israel’s military campaign against Hamas, which was launched in response to a historic attack in early October that resulted in the loss of approximately 1,200 lives and numerous hostages. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 45,580 lives in Gaza, according to local health officials.
