US Has Agreed To Send More Bombs And Warplanes To Israel, Sources Say
In recent days, the United States approved the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, according to two sources familiar with the situation on Friday. This decision comes despite Washington publicly voicing concerns about a potential Israeli military operation in Rafah.
The latest weapons shipments consist of over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, as per the sources who corroborated a Washington Post report.
Each year, Washington provides Israel, its enduring ally, with $3.8 billion in military aid.
The parcel arrives amidst Israel’s confrontation with significant global disapproval for its ongoing bombing operations and ground incursions in Gaza. Additionally, within President Joe Biden’s political party, voices are urging him to reduce U.S. military assistance to Israel.
The Biden administration has faced criticism from certain Democrats and Arab American organizations for its unwavering support of Israel, as evidenced by the swift provision of air defenses and weapons. Critics argue that this support fosters a perception of impunity for Israel.
On Friday, Biden recognized the distress experienced by numerous Arab Americans due to the conflict in Gaza and America’s backing of Israel and its military actions.
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Nevertheless, he has pledged ongoing assistance to Israel despite a growing public disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The White House declined to comment on the weapons transfers.
The Israeli embassy in Washington did not promptly reply to a comment request.
The choice regarding armaments comes after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent trip to Washington, during which he engaged in discussions with American counterparts regarding Israel’s weaponry requirements.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Gallant appeared to aim at easing tensions between the U.S. and Israel as he emphasized the significance of American relations to his nation’s security and the necessity of upholding Israel’s superiority in military technology within the region, particularly in terms of its air capabilities.
The war erupted on Oct. 7 after Hamas militants attacked Israel killed 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has retaliated by launching an air and ground assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 32,000 people, health authorities in Gaza say.
US Has Agreed To Send More Bombs And Warplanes To Israel, Sources Say