The Biden administration has approved a significant $8 billion arms package for Israel, including fighter jet ammunition, artillery shells, and attack helicopter missiles, Israeli outlet Walla reported on Saturday. Unnamed sources indicated that the U.S. State Department had informally notified Congress about the arms deal, expected to be the final package from the outgoing administration before President-elect Donald Trump assumes office on Jan. 20. The approval comes amid intensified Israeli military operations in northern Gaza, focusing on the Jabalia Refugee Camp, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun since Oct. 5. According to Walla, the package includes AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles for defense against aerial threats like drones. It also features 155mm artillery shells, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles for attack helicopters, small-diameter bombs, and JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) systems to convert unguided bombs into precision-guided munitions. Additionally, it includes 500-kilogram warheads for fighter jets. While some equipment may come from existing U.S. stockpiles, most of the items will require new production, with delivery expected over several years, according to sources. The State Department informed Congress that the deal aims to bolster Israel's long-term security by replenishing critical munitions and air defense systems. An American official emphasized President Joe Biden's stance on Israel's right to self-defense: "The president has made it clear that Israel has the right to protect its citizens in accordance with international and humanitarian law. We will continue providing the necessary capabilities for Israel's defense." The announcement counters claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies of a "silent arms embargo" imposed by the Biden administration in recent months. Last May, the State Department expressed concerns that American weapons may have been used by Israel in Gaza in ways that violated international humanitarian law but did not formally accuse Israel of such violations. Since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in more than 45,600 deaths, most of them women and children. This is despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its military actions in Gaza. — Agencies
