In brief
In a recent development, the U.S. Department of State has formally informed Congress of an $8 billion proposal for an arms sale to Israel, which includes the provision of advanced air-to-air missiles aimed at countering airborne threats such as drones. This announcement, confirmed by a U.S. official to the BBC, is subject to approval from both the House and Senate committees. The timing comes just weeks before President Joe Biden's administration transitions, reinforcing the U.S.'s steadfast support for Israel despite the ongoing civilian toll in Gaza amid the conflict.
Biden's commitment to Israel is reflected in his administration's decision to reject proposals to halt military assistance, even in light of calls associated with the rising civilian casualties during the war. Earlier this year, the U.S. already authorized a significant $20 billion in military hardware, including fighter jets, solidifying its role as Israel's primary arms supplier. According to reports, between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 69% of Israel's major conventional arms were sourced from the U.S., according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).The latest arms package aims to ensure that Israel can defend its population effectively, a stance that Biden has reiterated as adhering to international standards of law. The backdrop of these developments is a marked increase in casualties, with the Gaza health ministry reporting over 45,580 deaths in the region since the outbreak of hostilities that started with Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.
