The White House has authorized a significant arms deal with Israel, valued at over $20 billion, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Biden has approved the sale of more than $20 billion in weapons to Israel, amid ongoing violence in the Middle East, imminent threats of escalation, and pressure from human rights groups to reconsider, as Breitbart reports.

The arms package, announced on Tuesday, includes 50 F-15 fighter jets valued at $18.82 billion. These advanced aircraft are equipped with radar and secure communications systems, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.

In addition to the jets, the deal includes nearly 33,000 tank cartridges, up to 50,000 explosive mortar cartridges, and new military cargo vehicles.

Arms Sales Seen as Vital to Israel’s Defense

The U.S. State Department emphasized the strategic importance of the arms sales, noting that they are essential for Israel’s self-defense and deterrence against regional threats. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the department stated.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on Oct. 7 with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has been a driving force behind the urgency of this arms deal.

The initial attack by Hamas resulted in 1,198 Israeli deaths and the capture of 251 people, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza. In retaliation, Israel has conducted extensive military operations in Gaza, leading to significant loss of life. According to local health ministry figures, at least 39,929 people in Gaza have been killed in the conflict.

Human Rights Groups and Lawmakers Express Concerns

The approval of this arms deal has been met with opposition from human rights organizations and some members of the Democratic Party. Critics argue that providing Israel with more weapons could exacerbate the violence and lead to further civilian casualties.

Josh Paul, a former State Department employee now with the Middle East rights group Dawn, criticized the move, saying, “Authorizing billions of dollars in new arms transfers effectively provides Israel a carte blanche to continue its atrocities in Gaza and to escalate the conflict to Lebanon.”

On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza resulted in the deaths of 93 civilians, an incident that has intensified criticism of U.S. support for Israel’s military actions.

While the Biden administration has expressed concern over civilian casualties, it has not specifically addressed the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in these incidents.

Congress Faces Challenges in Blocking the Sale

Although the U.S. Congress has the authority to block arms sales, the process is notably difficult. Despite growing opposition, the Biden administration has continued to support Israel’s military needs, citing the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance.

In May, President Biden halted a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel to prevent a large-scale assault on Rafah, a city with many displaced Palestinians.

However, other weapons deliveries have continued uninterrupted. In June, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s complaints about delayed shipments were dismissed by U.S. officials.

Last month, Netanyahu addressed the U.S. Congress, urging lawmakers to expedite military aid to Israel. He argued that doing so would help bring a swift end to the conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of strong military support to achieve peace.

Conclusion

The U.S. approval of a $20 billion arms deal with Israel highlights the complexities of balancing international alliances with concerns over human rights.

While the Biden administration asserts that these weapons are essential for Israel’s defense, critics warn of the potential for increased violence and civilian casualties in Gaza.

As the conflict continues, the debate over U.S. military support for Israel is likely to intensify, with significant implications for both domestic and international politics.