US prepares for new $18 billion arms sale to Israel

Amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, it has been reported that the Biden administration is preparing to sell 50 F-15 fighter jets and related equipment, valued at $18 billion, to Israel, which it continues to support unconditionally.

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US prepares for new $18 billion arms sale to Israel

In a report by the American news channel CNN, citing unnamed Biden administration officials, it was noted that the US administration is close to finalizing a new arms sale to Israel.

The report stated that numerous discussions have taken place between the Biden administration and Congress regarding the fighter jets, for which Israel first submitted a purchase request in January 2023, and that the informal review process has been completed.

It was reported that the formal notification regarding the sale, for which House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul gave the green light on January 30, is expected to be sent to Congress by the Biden administration in the near future.

REVIEW PROCESS A POINT OF INTEREST

There is curiosity regarding how Democratic senators and representatives, who have criticized the unconditional arms support for Israel, will react during the 15-day review process in Congress regarding the sale in question.

Some Democratic senators had previously called for a halt to arms sales to Israel and wrote a letter to US President Joe Biden demanding an investigation into how American weapons are being used in Gaza.

It was stated that after the congressional process is completed, Israel would begin receiving the F-15 fighter jets as early as 2029, and that Tel Aviv would also receive guided missiles from Washington.

In response to a question from an AA reporter on the matter, the US Department of State stated that they do not comment on ongoing arms sales processes, but that arms sales to Israel, like those to other countries, are carried out in accordance with established legal procedures.

UNGUIDED BOMB SHIPMENTS

The American newspaper The Washington Post (WP) reported on Friday, citing unnamed Pentagon and State Department officials, that the Biden administration had recently approved new arms shipments to Israel.

The report pointed out that the Biden administration carried out these transfers without notifying Congress or announcing them to the public this time, as they were based on previous congressional notifications.

Accordingly, it was reported that the US administration approved the sale of 25 F-35 aircraft and engines, as well as the shipment of 1,800 MK84 unguided bombs and 500 MK82 unguided bombs, to Israel, which continues its attacks in Gaza, without public disclosure.

It is noted that the MK84 bombs, which weigh around 900 kilograms and cause devastating damage, have played a major role in civilian casualties from Israel's strikes on Gaza. Similarly, the 220-kilogram MK82 bombs are categorized as indiscriminate weapons due to their lack of guidance systems.

News Source: 12punto