The White House has informed Congress of its intention to send over $1 billion in new weaponry to Israel. This proposal includes $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles, and $60 million in mortar rounds, according to the Associated Press.
This decision follows the U.S. government’s recent pause on bomb shipments to Israel due to concerns about civilian casualties in densely populated areas, particularly in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. President Biden delayed the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs, citing the potential for civilian harm if used in ground operations.
Assurances first, Support Second
Despite these concerns, the new military aid package, which must still be approved by lawmakers, reflects ongoing U.S. support for Israel. Last month, Congress approved a separate $95 billion aid bill for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
A U.S. State Department report released last week highlighted that some American-made weapons provided to Israel might have been used in ways that breach international law. While the report criticized certain Israeli operations in Gaza, it stopped short of concluding that the Israel Defense Forces had definitively violated international law. The report also noted that Israel’s assurances about the lawful use of U.S. weapons were deemed “credible and reliable.”
The timing of this new weapons package is notable as it is the first since the Biden administration’s recent pause on arms transfers to Israel. In an interview with CNN, President Biden acknowledged the civilian casualties in Gaza resulting from these bombings, underscoring the political sensitivity of arms transfers as he approaches the 2024 presidential election.
