Biden administration moves forward with $8 billion arms sale to Israel amid Gaza conflict

The Biden administration has notified Congress of an $8 billion weapons package for Israel, which includes thousands of bombs, missiles, and artillery shells, marking one of the largest U.S. arms sales since the Gaza conflict began in 2023.

On December 5, congressional officials received the notification, detailing the planned transfer of a range of munitions, including large MK-84 2,000-pound bombs, precision-guided bombs, AMRAAM and Hellfire missiles, and 155mm artillery shells, Caliber.Az reports, citing US media.

The sale, which still requires congressional approval, includes controversial weapons such as bunker-buster bombs, which may face opposition from some Democrats. These lawmakers have previously urged the administration to limit the sale of large bombs to Israel to prevent further civilian casualties in Gaza.

The proposed sale comes just weeks before President Biden hands over power to President-elect Donald Trump. It is part of a broader effort to continue supporting Israel’s defence amidst the ongoing war, which has already claimed the lives of over 45,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities in Gaza.

Despite Biden's push for a cease-fire, calls from within Congress to curtail arms sales to Israel have grown louder, aiming to pressure Prime Minister Netanyahu's government to halt military operations and negotiate a deal for hostages held in Gaza. Israel’s defense ministry has expressed gratitude for U.S. support, despite occasional tensions, including over the administration's decision to pause the delivery of some bombs earlier in the conflict.

This latest package follows a $680 million sale of smaller bombs in November, underscoring the administration's continued military backing of Israel.

Critics argue that such arms transfers, particularly in the midst of a war causing severe humanitarian consequences, highlight the fine line the Biden administration is walking between maintaining military support for Israel and responding to calls for more restraint in the conflict.

By Khagan Isayev