US Govt Plans To Sell $8billion Arms To Israel Amid Middle-East Crisis
Amid the crisis between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas, the United States government has signalled intent to sell arms worth $8billion to Israel.
This position was made known by the administration of President Joe Biden which notified Congress of the proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel.
Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to end the 15-month-old Israeli war in Gaza that was triggered after an October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants that killed 1200 and in which about 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
The deal in which United States wants to sell $8 billion worth arms would need approval from the House of Representatives and Senate committees and includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters as well as artillery shells, Reuters reports.
Other items in the proposed deal includes also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads, according to Axios.
This development comes amid protests in demand for an arms embargo against Israel.
These agitations have however not made United States change its position.
It would be recalled that in August, the United States approved the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
The Biden administration justified its position and moves, noting that it was helping its ally defend against Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
Israel is being accused of genocide that has led to displacement of nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.
The crisis has led to death of 45,000 people, with many additional feared buried under rubble.
The situation has also been said to be responsible for a hunger crisis and led to genocide accusations that Israel denies.
Washington, Israel’s biggest ally and weapons supplier, has also previously vetoed U.N. Security Council resolutions on a ceasefire in Gaza.
