The US Department of State has confirmed an $8 billion arms sale to Israel, pending Congress’s approval. This package includes missiles, artillery shells, and bombs to support Israel’s military. The House and Senate must review and approve the consignment before its execution.
This sale announcement comes days before the President ends his term on January 20th, 2025. Critics continue to pressure Washington to reevaluate military support for Israel due to the growing civilian casualties in Gaza.
Despite these calls, US officials insist on the country’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and defense needs. This arms package includes advanced Hellfire missiles and air-to-air missiles for maintaining strategic advances.
The White House reiterated its stance on ensuring Israel’s safety against aggression from Iran and related groups. President Biden has consistently supported Israel, describing the alliance as ironclad. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) indicates that the US supplied 69% of Israel’s significant arms imports between 2029 and 2023.
This new deal follows Biden’s partial suspension in May 2024 of specific bomb shipments over concerns about Israel’s operations in Gaza. Opposition to the pause emerged from both Republicans and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who linked it to an arms embargo.
US arms sale to Israel also marks the final significant weapons deal under Biden’s administration. President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to reassess US military involvement globally while continuing strong support for Israel.
