The Biden administration has notified Congress of an $8 billion arms package for Israel, reinforcing the US-Israel alliance amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. The planned sale includes advanced munitions such as precision-guided bombs, artillery shells, and air-to-air missiles. This development highlights the US’s unwavering support for Israelās military operations, despite global criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Details of the Arms Package
The arms deal includes 500-pound warheads, artillery shells, missiles for jets and attack helicopters, bomb fuses, and air-to-air missiles. While some weapons will be delivered from existing US stock, most will require extended production time. This comes after the US approved a $20 billion arms package in August and another $680 million deal in November 2024, showcasing continuous military aid to Israel.
Congressional Approval Likely
The arms deal is expected to pass Congress with ease. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has reaffirmed his support for Israel, making a congressional blockade highly unlikely. Overriding the deal would require a two-thirds majority in both chambers, which analysts deem improbable.
However, some Democratic lawmakers have expressed concern about providing military aid while Israel faces accusations of worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Read:Ā Malaysia Condemns Israelās Aggression in Gaza
Intensified Conflict in Gaza
The ongoing war in Gaza has led to severe casualties and destruction. Palestinian health authorities report over 45,000 deaths and more than 100,000 injuries since the conflict began in October 2023.
Israel has escalated its attacks in recent days, killing over 100 people. It also ordered the forced evacuation of two hospitals, threatening strikes if directives are not followed. In one such attack in Gaza’s Shujayea neighborhood, an Israeli airstrike killed 11 members of a single family, mostly women and children.
Humanitarian Concerns and Criticism
International organizations and rights groups have condemned the war, accusing Israel of targeting civilian infrastructure. A UN commission has claimed that Israel aims to dismantle Gaza’s healthcare system, leaving millions of civilians vulnerable. The International Court of Justice has also warned Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Palestinian territories.
Amid this backdrop, talks of a potential ceasefire are ongoing. Representatives from Israel and Hamas have reportedly traveled to Qatar to negotiate terms for a prisoner exchange and a possible cessation of hostilities.
US-Israel Alliance Under Scrutiny
President Joe Biden has emphasized Israelās right to self-defense while sidestepping calls for stricter oversight of its military actions. Critics argue that the USās unwavering support enables further destruction in Gaza. Despite international appeals for restraint, the Biden administration continues to bolster Israel’s military arsenal.
This arms deal underscores the deep-rooted partnership between the US and Israel. However, it also raises ethical questions about Americaās role in a conflict that has caused unprecedented devastation in Gaza.
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