Washington provides $3.8 billion in annual military aid to its long-time ally Israel. (document)
The United States has authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel in recent days, two people familiar with the matter said on Friday, even as Washington publicly expressed concerns about an expected Israeli military offensive against Rafah.
The new weapons package includes more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, sources said, confirming the Washington Post report.
Washington provides $3.8 billion in annual military aid to its long-time ally Israel.
The plan comes as Israel faces strong international criticism for its ongoing bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza and as some members of President Joe Biden’s party call on him to cut U.S. military aid.
The United States has been providing emergency air defense systems and munitions to Israel, but some Democrats and Arab American groups have criticized the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel, which they say has given Israel a sense of impunity.
Biden acknowledged on Friday that many Arab Americans “feel pain” as a result of the war in Gaza and U.S. support for Israel and its military offensive.
Still, he has vowed to continue supporting Israel despite his growing public differences with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The White House declined to comment on the arms transfers.
The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The decision on the weapons follows a visit to Washington this week by Israeli Defense Minister Yov Galante, where he discussed Israel’s weapons needs with his American counterparts.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Galante said he emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship to its national security and the importance of maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military advantage” in the region, including its air capabilities. seeking to ease tensions between the United States and Israel.
The war broke out on October 7 after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages, according to Israeli statistics. Gaza health authorities said Israel retaliated with air and ground attacks against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killing more than 32,000 people.
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