The U.S. State Department recently informed Congress about a major proposed arms deal with Israel, worth a whopping $8 billion. This deal, which is still in the works, is set to include vital munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery shells, according to sources who spoke with Axios.
So, why is this happening now?
This deal comes after a lot of chatter from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters, claiming that President Biden had quietly imposed an “arms embargo” on Israel. While that’s been the talk of the town, there’s been a lot of debate on the issue. Some Democrats urged the Biden administration to add conditions to arms sales, asking how Israel handles both the ongoing war effort and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. However, Biden has stood firm, deciding against such conditions.
What’s in the Deal?
This deal is more of a long-term arrangement, with some parts of the munitions being available right now from U.S. stockpiles. However, the bulk of the delivery will take one or more years to complete. So, what’s being sold exactly?
- AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles for fighter jets, designed to protect against airborne threats (including drones!).
- 155mm artillery shells for ground defense.
- Hellfire AGM-114 missiles for attack helicopters.
- Plus, small diameter bombs, JDAM tail kits (which turn standard bombs into smart ones!), 500-lb warheads, and bomb fuses.
This sale is still waiting for approval from the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees.
What Does the U.S. Have to Say About It?
A U.S. official commented that the deal is all about strengthening Israel’s long-term security by replenishing critical munitions and boosting air defense capabilities. They also made it clear that Israel has the right to defend itself, in line with international law and humanitarian standards, especially when facing threats from countries like Iran and its allies.
At the end of the day, this deal is part of the ongoing partnership between the two nations, ensuring that Israel has what it needs to stay safe and deter any future threats.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story!
