WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden’s administration has notified Congress of a proposed US$8 billion arms sale to Israel, two US officials said, with Washington maintaining support for its ally whose war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands.
The deal would need approval from House of Representatives and Senate committees and includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters as well as artillery shells. The package also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads, according to the sources.
One source familiar with the package said Biden had been clear that Israel had a right to defend its citizens “consistent with international law and international humanitarian law,” and that the US would continue to provide the capabilities necessary for Israel’s defence.
Some of the munitions deliveries could be furnished through current US stock, while the majority would take up to several years to deliver, the source said.
The package includes AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to defend against drones and other airborne threats, 155mm artillery shells, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles and US$6.75 billion in other bombs and guidance systems, one of the US officials said.
The State Department did not respond to a request for comment.
Protesters have for months demanded an arms embargo against Israel, but US policy has largely remained unchanged. In August, the United States approved the sale of US$20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
