Unlock the US Election Countdown Newsletter for Free: Biden Administration Plans $1bn Military Aid Package for Israel

The Biden administration has made a controversial decision to send a $1 billion package of military aid to Israel, despite concerns about the Israeli military’s plans for a full assault on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This move comes after the US paused a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel over worries about civilian casualties in densely populated areas of Gaza.

While this pause marked the first time Biden had withheld weapons to restrain Israel’s military conduct since the conflict with Hamas began, the $1 billion package shows that the US is not looking to restrict its arms supply to Israel more broadly. The package is expected to include tank ammunition and tactical vehicles.

“We are continuing to send military assistance, and we will ensure that Israel receives the full amount provided in the supplemental,” said Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser. The decision to proceed with the arms transfer was conveyed to Congress this week.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on the Biden administration’s plans for the new weapons transfer. Despite concerns about human rights violations in the conflict, the state department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded defiantly to the US arms suspension, stating that Israel would “stand alone” without US support. Some Democrats were relieved to see Biden use US leverage over Israel more aggressively, while others, including Senators Jacky Rosen and John Fetterman, expressed disappointment and called for unconditional security assistance to Israel.

The decision to send military aid to Israel amidst the conflict in Gaza has sparked debate and criticism, highlighting the complex relationship between the US and Israel in the midst of ongoing tensions in the region.