The US Department of State has officially informed Congress about a proposed arms sale to Israel, valued at $8 billion (£6.4 billion), as confirmed by an American official to the BBC.
A consignment of weapons, pending approval from both House and Senate committees, comprises missiles, shells, and various other munitions.
The decision arrived slightly over two weeks before President Joe Biden left office. The United States has dismissed requests to halt military support for Israel amid rising civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In August, the United States authorized the sale of $20 billion worth of fighter jets and additional military equipment to Israel.
A US official has confirmed that the upcoming shipment will include air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and bombs.
A source with knowledge of the sale informed the BBC on Saturday: “The president has emphasized that Israel is entitled to protect its citizens in accordance with international law and humanitarian standards, while also aiming to deter aggression from Iran and its affiliated groups.”
“The commitment to supply essential capabilities for Israel’s defense will remain steadfast.”
President Biden has frequently characterized the United States’ backing of Israel as unwavering and resolute.
The United States stands as the largest provider of arms to Israel, playing a crucial role in the development of one of the most advanced military forces globally.
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reports that from 2019 to 2023, the United States was responsible for 69% of Israel’s imports of major conventional arms.
In May 2024, the United States confirmed the suspension of a shipment containing 2,000-pound and 500-pound bombs amid rising concerns that Israel was preparing to launch a significant ground operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Biden encountered swift criticism from Republican lawmakers in Washington, as well as from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who seemed to liken the situation to an “arms embargo.” Biden has since taken steps to lift the suspension partially and has not reinstated it.
The upcoming shipment represents one of several measures implemented by the Biden administration in recent weeks as the outgoing president seeks to solidify his legacy.
The upcoming weapons sale to Israel is expected to be the final one arranged before the current administration concludes on January 20, 2025, coinciding with the inauguration of Donald Trump as his successor.
The president-elect has articulated a vision of concluding foreign conflicts and diminishing US involvement, which he reiterated during his re-election campaign.
Trump has established himself as a strong advocate for Israel, yet he has called on the American ally to expedite its military operation in Gaza.
In a decisive move, Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas following a historic assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals, with an additional 251 people taken hostage.
According to the health ministry operated by Hamas, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 45,580 individuals since that time.
