US $8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel

The United States — United States Department of State has informed the United States of a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel. This sale includes medium-range air-to-air missiles, 155 mm projectile artillery shells, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, and 500-pound bombs, with some items sourced from current US stocks and others taking years to deliver. This package adds to the substantial military aid the United States has provided Israel since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. The Joe Biden administration has faced criticism over the mounting Palestinian civilian deaths in the Gaza Strip, leading to demonstrations and unsuccessful efforts by figures like Bernie Sanders in Congress to block arms sales. The United States had previously paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel in May due to concerns about civilian casualties in Rafah and has demanded that Israel increase humanitarian aid to the enclave. Despite these concerns, the United States declined to limit arms transfers in November, citing limited progress. Israel continues to conduct airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, targeting Hamas gathering points and command centers, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to continue operations until Hamas is destroyed. The conflict has caused widespread destruction and displacement in the Gaza Strip, with ongoing ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.