US to allocate $3.5 billion to Israel for American military equipment

The United States is preparing to release $3.5 billion to Israel for the purchase of American weapons and military equipment, drawn from a $14.1 billion supplemental bill approved by Congress in April.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed that on August 8, the Department notified Congress of its intent to obligate $3.5 billion in Fiscal Year 2024 Foreign Military Financing under the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

CNN first reported the news, citing several officials who noted that it is not uncommon for funds from such packages to be disbursed slowly.

This funding comes at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East, with Israel and the region anticipating possible retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah. This follows Israel's recent assassination of Hamas’ political chief in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.

The decision to provide additional military aid to Israel has sparked criticism, particularly as the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 40,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7 due to Israeli bombings, which U.S. President Joe Biden has described as "indiscriminate."

Human rights organizations and former State Department officials have called for a suspension of arms transfers to Israel, citing concerns about violations of international law and human rights. Last month, twelve former U.S. officials, including former State Department members Josh Paul, Annelle Sheline, Stacy Gilbert, and Hala Rharrit, issued a statement accusing the U.S. of complicity in the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza due to its support for Israel.

A report released in May suggested it is "reasonable to assess" that Israel has used U.S.-made weapons in ways that may violate international humanitarian law, although it did not reach a definitive conclusion due to incomplete information.