US Sanctions Additional $20bn Arms Deal with Israel
Washington has authorized over $20 billion in arms sales to Israel, despite facing international calls to cease the violence in Gaza. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The US government has given the green light for over $20 billion in new arms sales to Israel, despite ongoing calls for President Joe Biden's administration to work towards ending the violence in Gaza.
On Tuesday, the State Department communicated a series of notifications to Congress, emphasizing that Washington is “committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
A significant portion of the arms package, estimated at about $18.8 billion, includes the procurement of 50 new F-15IA fighter jets and upgrades for 25 existing units. Additionally, Israel plans to acquire Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for these jets along with nearly 33,000 120mm tank cartridges, approximately 50,000 high-explosive mortars, and new military cargo vehicles.
The State Department assured that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and will have “no adverse impact on US defense readiness.”
While most of these arms sales are structured as long-term arrangements, the timing of the announcement raises concerns given the escalating situation in Gaza. The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, who played a key role in ceasefire negotiations, and top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut in late July has led both Iran and Hezbollah to threaten retaliation against Israel.
These assassinations have heightened fears of a potential all-out war between Iran and Israel. On Monday, leaders from France, Germany, and the UK jointly urged Iran and its affiliates “to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions.”
Violence escalated after Hamas's unexpected incursion into southern Israel last October, which resulted in approximately 1,100 deaths and the capture of 200 hostages. In response, Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in at least 39,800 casualties, according to Palestinian health officials.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration is reportedly facing mounting pressure from the Biden administration to bring an end to the conflict, especially in light of increasing international scrutiny over Israel's military tactics. Although it will take several years for the newly authorized weaponry to actually be delivered to Israel, the announcement may serve to mitigate forthcoming electoral criticisms from Republicans who claim that the Biden-Harris administration is not providing adequate support to Israel.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Tuesday, the State Department communicated a series of notifications to Congress, emphasizing that Washington is “committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.”
A significant portion of the arms package, estimated at about $18.8 billion, includes the procurement of 50 new F-15IA fighter jets and upgrades for 25 existing units. Additionally, Israel plans to acquire Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) for these jets along with nearly 33,000 120mm tank cartridges, approximately 50,000 high-explosive mortars, and new military cargo vehicles.
The State Department assured that the proposed sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and will have “no adverse impact on US defense readiness.”
While most of these arms sales are structured as long-term arrangements, the timing of the announcement raises concerns given the escalating situation in Gaza. The killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, who played a key role in ceasefire negotiations, and top Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut in late July has led both Iran and Hezbollah to threaten retaliation against Israel.
These assassinations have heightened fears of a potential all-out war between Iran and Israel. On Monday, leaders from France, Germany, and the UK jointly urged Iran and its affiliates “to refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions.”
Violence escalated after Hamas's unexpected incursion into southern Israel last October, which resulted in approximately 1,100 deaths and the capture of 200 hostages. In response, Israeli military actions have reportedly resulted in at least 39,800 casualties, according to Palestinian health officials.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration is reportedly facing mounting pressure from the Biden administration to bring an end to the conflict, especially in light of increasing international scrutiny over Israel's military tactics. Although it will take several years for the newly authorized weaponry to actually be delivered to Israel, the announcement may serve to mitigate forthcoming electoral criticisms from Republicans who claim that the Biden-Harris administration is not providing adequate support to Israel.
Sophie Wagner contributed to this report for TROIB News
