The Biden administration’s proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel faces intense scrutiny from Congress amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, highlighting the delicate balance between diplomatic support and humanitarian concerns.
At a Glance
- Biden administration proposes $8 billion arms deal with Israel, including munitions for fighter jets and artillery
- The package includes AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, 155mm artillery shells, and other critical weaponry
- Congressional committees to review the proposed sales during an informal notification period
- Deal faces criticism from some progressive and Muslim American voters due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza
- Biden administration maintains support for Israel while attempting to influence its military actions
Comprehensive Arms Package Proposed
The Biden administration has put forward a substantial $8 billion arms deal with Israel, encompassing a wide range of military equipment. This package includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery shells, demonstrating the United States’ continued commitment to Israel’s defense capabilities.
The proposed sale includes AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles, 155mm artillery shells, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, small diameter bombs, JDAM tail kits, 500-lb warheads, and bomb fuses. Most of these arms are expected to take a year or more to deliver, with some supplied from current U.S. stocks.
🚨Scoop: The State Department has notified Congress of an $8 billion proposed arms deal with Israel that includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters as well as artillery shells, two sources with direct knowledge told me. My story on @axioshttps://t.co/jB3Yo9Tsyh
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) January 4, 2025
Congressional Review and Potential Challenges
The proposed arms sale is now subject to a thorough review process by key congressional committees. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee will examine the details of the transaction during an informal notification period. Approval from the top members of these committees is necessary before formal notification to Congress, which would likely pave the way for the sales to proceed.
However, the deal faces challenges, particularly from progressive lawmakers and some Muslim American voters who oppose Biden’s support for Israel in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military’s use of U.S. weapons has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, leading to calls for Biden to withhold weapons aid.
Balancing Support and Influence
The Biden administration has attempted to strike a delicate balance in its approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict. While affirming Israel’s right to self-defense, the administration has also criticized certain Israeli actions and has previously withheld specific arms shipments to influence Israel’s military operations.
This arms sale proposal comes at a time when U.S. officials are actively working on a cease-fire deal to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks. The timing of the deal underscores the complex nature of U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
