The U.S. in recent days authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, two sources familiar with the effort said on Friday, even as Washington publicly expresses concerns about an anticipated Israeli military offensive in Rafah. The new arms packages include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, said the sources, who confirmed a report in the Washington Post.
Quick Read
- US Arms Transfer to Israel: The United States authorized significant arms transfers to Israel, including bombs and fighter jets, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
- Bomb Package Details: The arms package includes over 1,800 MK84 bombs and 500 MK82 bombs, as part of the U.S.’s $3.8 billion annual military assistance to Israel.
- International Criticism: Israel faces global condemnation for its military actions in Gaza, sparking debates within the U.S. about continuing military support.
- Biden’s Stance: President Joe Biden acknowledges the concerns of Arab Americans but maintains support for Israel, despite differences with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Weapons Transfer Context: The transfer follows Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s visit to Washington, emphasizing the importance of U.S. support for Israel’s security and regional military superiority.
- Conflict Toll: The conflict, which began on October 7th following an attack by Hamas, has led to significant casualties on both sides, with over 32,000 deaths reported in Gaza.
The Associated Press has the story:
US signs off to transfere more bombs and fighter jets to Israel
Newslooks- Washington- (AP)
The U.S. in recent days authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, two sources familiar with the effort said on Friday, even as Washington publicly expresses concerns about an anticipated Israeli military offensive in Rafah.
The new arms packages include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, said the sources, who confirmed a report in the Washington Post.
Washington gives $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, its longtime ally.
The package comes as Israel faces strong international criticism over its continued bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza and as some members of President Joe Biden’s party call for him to cut U.S. military aid.
The United States has been rushing air defenses and munitions to Israel, but some Democrats and Arab American groups have criticized the Biden administration’s steadfast support of Israel, which they say provides it with a sense of impunity.
Biden on Friday acknowledged “the pain being felt” by many Arab Americans over the war in Gaza and over U.S. support for Israel and its military offensive.
Still, he has vowed continued support for Israel despite an increasingly public rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The White House declined comment on the weapons transfers.
The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The World Court on Thursday ordered Israel to end spreading famine in Gaza, demanding it take all necessary and effective action to ensure basic food supplies to the Palestinians there.
The decision on weapons follows a visit to Washington by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant this week when he discussed Israel’s weapons needs with U.S. counterparts.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Gallant, apparently seeking to cool U.S.-Israeli tensions, said he stressed the importance of U.S. ties to his country’s security and of maintaining Israel’s “qualitative military edge” in the region, including its air capabilities.
The war erupted on Oct. 7 after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has retaliated by launching an air and ground assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 32,000 people, health authorities in Gaza say.
