15-5-2024 (WASHINGTON) The Biden administration has informed Congress of its intention to proceed with a plan for the United States to sell over $1 billion in new weapons to Israel, as confirmed by three congressional aides familiar with the deal.
The proposed sale, encompassing new tactical vehicles and ammunition, comes amid President Biden’s decision to halt a shipment of bombs to Israel. This move aims to prevent U.S.-manufactured weapons from being used in a potential incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. President Biden recently announced his decision to block the delivery of weapons such as bombs and missiles that could be deployed in the densely populated area, where over a million Palestinians seek refuge.
This potential arms transfer underscores the delicate balancing act the Biden administration is undertaking with Israel. While seeking to prevent an assault on Rafah and minimise civilian casualties in Gaza, the administration continues to provide military support to a longstanding ally. President Biden has reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence.
Congress had been informed about the arms deal for several months, according to one congressional aide. It is suggested that the administration waited for a foreign aid package with increased assistance for Israel to pass before initiating the necessary congressional notification process.
In response to inquiries regarding the package, the State Department referred to recent statements from Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser. Sullivan reaffirmed the commitment to supply Israel with military assistance for defending itself from regional threats.
While the administration advocates for a ceasefire deal involving the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack on Israel, talks appear to be at an impasse, according to the prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator.
Despite initial support for Israel following the October 7 attack, President Biden has increasingly found himself at odds with Israel’s conduct of the conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza. However, he has reiterated the U.S.’s commitment to ensuring Israel’s security.
The State Department’s informal notification of the arms transfer to congressional committees initiates a multi-step process for lawmakers to review the terms of the weapons transfer and engage in private deliberations with the department. The entire Congress will subsequently consider the package.
