The United States has informally notified Congress of an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel to support its long-term security amidst its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. President Biden has reiterated Israel’s right to defend its citizens, and the arms package includes a variety of munitions and air defense capabilities. Some of the arms could be supplied through current U.S. stocks, while others would take time to deliver. The planned sale is intended to resupply Israel with critical weapons to enhance its ability to defend against airborne threats and conduct long-range targeting.
However, the Biden administration has faced criticism over the mounting deaths of Palestinian civilians in the conflict. There have been protests and unsuccessful attempts in Congress to block offensive weapons sales to Israel. The U.S. previously paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs over concerns about civilian casualties, and demanded that Israel increase humanitarian aid into Gaza. While some progress has been made on these fronts, the administration has chosen not to limit arms transfers, citing limited progress and the need for Israel’s cooperation.
Israel has been conducting airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in dozens of casualties and exacerbating the already high death toll from the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military maintains that it only targets militants and holds Hamas responsible for civilian deaths due to their presence in densely populated areas. The war has caused extensive destruction and displaced a significant portion of Gaza’s population, particularly as winter sets in and many are left sheltering in temporary arrangements near the sea. The situation remains dire for the civilians caught in the crossfire of the conflict.
The weapons sale to Israel must still undergo review by the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee before moving forward. This informal notification to Congress is not the final step in the process. The sale would add to the record of military aid provided to Israel in response to the conflict, totaling at least $17.9 billion since the initial attacks by Hamas in 2023. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel’s defense capabilities and ensuring its security in the face of continued conflict in the region, despite calls for restraint and increased humanitarian aid.
