WASHINGTON: The Biden administration has reportedly approved significant arms transfer to Israel, drawing criticism from the world community amidst escalating tensions in the region. The US arms transfer to Israel has sparked condemnation and raised legal concerns, The Washington Post reported.
Despite mounting international outcry over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza due to Israel’s genocide campaign, Washington has reportedly given the go-ahead for the transfer of new weaponry to Israel, including 2,000-pound “dumb” bombs and advanced fighter jets.
Sources within the State and Defense Departments, speaking to The Washington Post, stated that the approved arsenal includes deadly MK84 2,000-pound bombs and MK82 500-pound bombs. Additionally, the State Department has reportedly sanctioned the transfer of 25 F-35A fighter jets and engines, valued at approximately $2.5 billion.
The decision has sparked outrage, with Senator Bernie Sanders condemning the move as “obscene.” Sanders criticized the administration’s apparent contradiction, pointing out the incongruity of advocating for a ceasefire while simultaneously supplying weapons to Israel capable of causing immense civilian harm.
Biden Administration’s Strained Relations with Israel
The secret arms transfer occurs amidst strained relations between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite recent public disagreements, including Netanyahu’s criticism of the US stance at the UN Security Council, the Biden administration appears committed to bolstering Israel’s military capabilities.
However, the arms transfer has raised legal concerns, with several Democratic senators highlighting that current US law prohibits arms sales to countries obstructing American humanitarian aid efforts. Urgent calls have been made for President Biden to reconsider the decision and halt further arms sales to Tel Aviv.
Meanwhile, Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues, with Prime Minister Netanyahu vowing to escalate operations in the southern city of Rafah. The conflict, now in its 175th day, has inflicted staggering casualties and widespread destruction, prompting renewed international calls for intervention to halt the violence and address the humanitarian crisis.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported on Sunday that more than 32,782 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7. Furthermore, over 75,298 people have been wounded. The toll includes 77 deaths and 108 injuries recorded within the past 24 hours alone.
Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of Egypt, France, and Jordan convened in Cairo, and appealed for an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza and the release of all captives held in the territory. Following their meeting, France’s Foreign Minister, Stephane Sejourne, announced plans to propose a draft resolution at the UN Security Council, outlining a “political” settlement for the conflict.
