Biden administration to proceed with $1 billion arms package for Israel

The Biden administration has recently notified key lawmakers about a new arms and ammunition package worth over US$1 billion that is set to be sent to Israel. This news comes as the administration had previously put a hold on an arms transfer of 3,500 bombs earlier this month. The pause was intended to prevent Israel from using the bombs in their offensive in the densely populated Gaza city of Rafah.

The package being sent to Israel includes approximately $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million for tactical vehicles, and $60 million for mortar rounds. While the exact timing of the arms shipment has not been disclosed, it is a significant development as Israel continues its ongoing conflict against Hamas in Gaza. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report on the plans to send the arms package to Israel.

This news comes as House Republicans had been planning to advance a bill that would require the delivery of offensive weaponry to Israel. In response to Biden's decision to pause bomb shipments, Republicans have criticized the move, claiming it shows a lack of support for Israel, a key U.S.

ally in the Middle East. The White House has made it clear that President Biden would veto the bill if it were to pass Congress, and it is unlikely to gain traction in the Democratic-controlled Senate. However, there are some divisions among House Democrats on the issue, with approximately two dozen signing onto a letter expressing concerns about the decision to pause the bomb shipment.

In addition to the written veto threat, the White House has been in communication with lawmakers and congressional aides regarding the legislation. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration's opposition to any efforts to restrict the President's ability to deploy U.S.

security assistance in line with national security objectives. She also reiterated the administration's commitment to utilizing all funds allocated by Congress in the national security supplemental package signed into law by President Biden last month. Overall, the decision to send this new arms package to Israel comes at a critical time in the conflict in Gaza.

As tensions continue to escalate, the support of key allies such as Israel remains a top priority for the Biden administration. Despite the political debates surrounding the arms shipments, the administration is focused on ensuring that U.S.foreign policy and national security interests are upheld.