The Biden administration has informed Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, a U.S. official announced on Friday. The move underscores Washington’s ongoing support for its ally amid a Gaza conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.
The deal, which requires approval from the House and Senate committees, includes fighter jet and attack helicopter munitions, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads, according to Axios. The State Department has not commented on the matter.
Despite months of protests calling for an arms embargo on Israel, U.S. policy has remained consistent. In August, the U.S. approved a $20 billion sale of fighter jets and military equipment to Israel. The Biden administration maintains its position of assisting Israel in defending against Iran-backed militant groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
While facing international criticism, Washington has continued to back Israel’s operations in Gaza, which have displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, caused widespread hunger, and drawn genocide accusations, which Israel denies. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 45,000 deaths, with many more believed to be trapped under rubble.
Diplomatic efforts to end the 15-month conflict have been unsuccessful. The war began after an October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and led to 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli reports.
The United States, Israel’s primary ally and arms supplier, has previously vetoed U.N. Security Council ceasefire resolutions regarding Gaza. President Joe Biden, a staunch supporter of Israel, will leave office on January 20, when Republican President-elect Donald Trump, also a strong Israel backer, will take office.
