In light of the rising tensions, the US is thinking of giving Israel more than $1 billion in fresh weapons agreements, including mortar rounds, military vehicles, and tank ammo.
According to US sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, the Biden administration’s planned agreement calls for transfers of fewer than $100 million in 120 mm mortar rounds, $500 million in tactical vehicles, and $700 million in 120 mm tank ammunition.
According to the report, this aid package would be in addition to the military aid agreement that is presently being considered by Congress. It is said to be among the biggest to be given to Israel since the 1,200-person Hamas attack on October 7.
It stated that the sale may take months or years to complete and that US Congress permission would be necessary.
Following credible reports of violations of US law and international law, including the blocking of US aid, and reports that Tel Aviv targets civilians, killing over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza, the US is coming under heavy fire for its military assistance to Israel.
The report was released at a time when tensions between Israel and Iran were already high following Tehran’s use of drones and missiles to retaliate against the attack on its consulate in Syria on April 1. The strike claimed the lives of seven Iranian military personnel, including two senior commanders.
Israel is currently in breach of a 1961 statute that forbids arms sales to countries that hinder the delivery of American aid, as stated in a letter written by six Democratic senators to President Joe Biden last month.
