The Biden administration has suggested a USD 8 billion arms sale to Israel amid its ongoing war on Gaza, Reuters reported on Saturday.
Two American officials confirmed the plan, which includes advanced munitions and defense equipment but still requires congressional approval.
The deal includes various weapons systems, such as small-diameter bombs, warheads, and guidance systems for fighter jets and attack helicopters. It also includes AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to counter aerial threats, 155mm artillery shells, and Hellfire AGM-114 missiles.
According to sources, while some munitions may be drawn from existing US stockpiles, the majority will take years to deliver.
Despite the international backlash Israel is facing for its ongoing aggression in the war-torn strip, US President Joe Biden has maintained that Israel has a right to defend its citizens “consistent with international law and international humanitarian law.”
The announcement has reignited calls for a U.S. arms embargo on Israel. Protesters have criticized American military support amid the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The conflict has left over 45,000 people dead and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents since the beginning of the war. Accusations of genocide have drawn global condemnation.
Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have repeatedly failed as Israel stalls peace talks, and the US has used its veto power at the US Security Council to block resolutions calling for an end to the violence.
This arms package follows the USD 20 billion sale of fighter jets and other equipment to Israel, which was approved in August.