World News

Biden prepares $1bn weapons supply to Israel

The White House has informed Congress it intends to give Israel almost $1bn (£800m) in new weaponry.

 

Despite the opposition of the US, the Israeli military has carried out a full-scale invasion on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

 

Last week, it was reported that a shipment of bombs to Israel had been temporarily halted due to concerns about potential civilian casualties in densely populated areas.

 

According to reports from US media, the recently announced package is currently awaiting approval from lawmakers.

 

According to the Associated Press news agency, the proposed budget includes $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million for tactical vehicles, and $60 million for mortar rounds.

 

Israeli tanks made further incursions into residential areas in the south-east of the Gazan city on Tuesday.

 

In a recent development, Congress has approved a bill allocating a substantial amount of $95bn in aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

 

Last week, a report from the US state department revealed potential violations of international law involving American-made weapons provided to Israel.

 

The report provided a critical assessment of certain Israeli operations in Gaza, but refrained from explicitly stating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) campaign had violated international law.

 

The statement emphasized the credibility and reliability of the assurances it had received from Israel regarding the lawful use of US weapons.

 

In a significant development, the package currently being sent to Congress marks the first arms transfer since the Biden administration temporarily halted such transfers to Israel last week.

 

In a recent statement, he revealed that the shipment of 2,000lb (900kg) bombs to Israel had been postponed due to concerns about their potential use in a ground operation.

 

When questioned by TGE regarding the delay, Mr. Biden acknowledged the unfortunate loss of civilian lives in Gaza due to the bombings.

 

Mr. Biden is facing political challenges in relation to weapons transfers to Israel as the 2024 White House election approaches.

 

Shortly after the conclusion of a presidential primary election in Maryland, reports surfaced regarding the latest arms package.

Activists in the region had encouraged voters to express their dissent by casting protest ballots, citing concerns over what they perceive as Mr. Biden's bias towards Israel during the Gaza war.

 

Legislation has been introduced by Republican lawmakers in Congress with the aim of preventing any future interruptions in weapons shipments to a key US ally.

 

This week, the House of Representatives is set to vote on a measure that focuses on the "prompt delivery" of military equipment, specifically targeting the state department and defense department.

 

The White House has stated its intention to veto the bill should it make it through the Senate, a scenario that appears highly improbable.

 

In response to a cross-border attack by Hamas on southern Israel on 7 October, Israel has initiated a military campaign with the aim of eliminating the group. The attack resulted in a significant loss of life, with approximately 1,200 people killed and 252 individuals being held hostage.

 

According to the health ministry in Gaza, the number of casualties has tragically risen to over 35,170, with an additional 82 lives lost in the past 24 hours.