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Congressional Approval Required for Proposed Arms Package

The Biden administration has formally notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms deal with Israel. The package includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads. Axios, the first to report the details, emphasized the substantial scale of the deal.

To move forward, the proposal must gain approval from the House of Representatives and Senate committees. This process is a key step in implementing major international arms agreements. Despite public interest and media inquiries, the State Department has declined to comment on the proposed deal.

U.S. Commitment to Israel Amid Global Criticism

For months, protests have called for an arms embargo against Israel due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Biden administration, however, has maintained its longstanding support for Israel. It argues that the arms are crucial for Israel’s defense against threats from Iran-backed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

In August, the U.S. approved a separate $20 billion arms deal with Israel, which included advanced fighter jets and military equipment. This new proposed sale reinforces the deep military ties between the two nations. However, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza has drawn intense global criticism.

The Gaza war has displaced nearly all 2.3 million residents of the territory. Hunger and devastation have created an unparalleled crisis. The Gaza health ministry estimates over 45,000 deaths, with many more feared trapped under rubble. Although Israel denies allegations of genocide, international outcry has grown louder. Still, the U.S. continues to support its ally unwaveringly.

Prolonged Conflict Fuels Diplomatic Deadlock

Efforts to end the 15-month-long conflict in Gaza have repeatedly failed. The war began after Hamas militants launched an October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Since then, the violence has intensified, with diplomatic solutions proving elusive.

Washington, as Israel’s primary ally and weapons supplier, has vetoed multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire. This consistent veto reflects the U.S. commitment to Israel but has also isolated it from many of its global allies.

As President Joe Biden’s term comes to an end on January 20, his administration continues to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities. President-elect Donald Trump, who will soon succeed Biden, shares a similar commitment to Israel. Both leaders view the U.S.-Israel relationship as a cornerstone of American foreign policy.

While the Biden administration defends its stance as necessary to counter threats in the region, the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains unresolved. International pressure to address the suffering grows, yet a resolution to the conflict remains far from reach.