Biden Administration Proposes $8 Billion Arms Deal with Israel

The Biden administration has formally proposed an $8 billion arms sale to Israel, a move announced as President Joe Biden approaches the end of his term.

The comprehensive package includes artillery shells, air-to-air missiles for fighter jets, small-diameter bombs, and other munitions designed to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities.

The administration has framed the proposed deal as a critical step to support Israel in its efforts to counter regional threats, including Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. However, the proposal has not been without controversy, coming amid heightened tensions and international criticism of ongoing violence in the region.

The sale requires approval from congressional committees in both the House and Senate. While some lawmakers have expressed support for the initiative, others are raising concerns about its timing and implications, particularly in light of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Recent months have seen a devastating escalation in violence, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 45,000 deaths due to military operations. The conflict has displaced large portions of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, sparking global protests and calls for an arms embargo on Israel. Critics argue that the proposed arms deal risks exacerbating the crisis rather than fostering a path to peace.

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President Biden, whose term ends on January 20, has consistently emphasized the U.S. commitment to Israel’s security. However, the decision to push this sale in the administration’s final days has drawn scrutiny. President-elect Donald Trump, set to assume office, has also voiced strong support for Israel, suggesting continuity in U.S. policy towards the nation.

The proposal arrives in the context of failed efforts to secure a ceasefire and ongoing U.S. vetoes of UN Security Council resolutions addressing the conflict. While supporters view the arms deal as vital for maintaining Israel’s military edge in a volatile region, opponents question its potential impact on the humanitarian and geopolitical situation.