The Biden administration is reportedly planning to send additional weaponry to Israel, a move that comes as the U.S. seeks a ceasefire in Gaza.
The proposed arms package includes MK-82 bombs, KMU-572 Joint Direct Attack Munitions for precision guidance, and FMU-139 bomb fuses, with an estimated value in the tens of millions of dollars, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing current and former U.S. officials.
However, the proposed delivery is still undergoing internal review within the administration, and details of the proposal could change before it is presented to congressional committee leaders for approval, as required by law.
The decision to provide more weapons to Israel comes amid ongoing criticism of the Biden administration for supplying arms to Israel while facing allegations that American-made weapons have been used in strikes causing civilian casualties. As of December 2023, the Biden administration had bypassed congressional review of weapons sales to Israel twice.
The conflict in Gaza escalated when Iran-backed Hamas militants launched attacks into Israel, resulting in casualties and the capture of hostages. In response, Israel initiated air and ground offensives, leading to significant devastation in Gaza and a high number of civilian casualties.
The Biden administration’s approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict has been closely watched, with many advocating for a more balanced approach that considers the humanitarian impact of the conflict on Palestinian civilians.
The decision to provide additional weaponry to Israel is likely to draw further scrutiny and debate, both domestically and internationally, as the conflict in Gaza continues to escalate.
