US Approves $8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel As Gaza Death Toll Reaches 45,658
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Biden administration has informed Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, reinforcing its support for Israel's occupying regime amid its ongoing genocidal war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of 45,658 Palestinians.
Two US officials confirmed that the deal includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, and artillery shells, as well as small-diameter bombs and warheads, according to Reuters.
Approval from the House of Representatives and Senate committees is required before the sale can proceed.
Some munitions could be delivered from current US stock, while the majority would take several years to supply, the source added.
The package includes AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles, 155mm artillery shells, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, and $6.75 billion worth of bombs and guidance systems, one official revealed.
The State Department declined to comment on the matter.
Protests demanding an arms embargo against Israel have persisted for months, but US policy remains unchanged. In August, the US approved a $20 billion sale of fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.
Despite facing international criticism, the US has stood by Israel during its assault on Gaza, which has displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza, caused widespread hunger, and led to accusations of genocide.
Israeli genocidal war on Gaza has killed at least 45,658 Palestinians and wounded 108,583 since October 7, 2023, the Gaza health ministry reported.
The US, Israel’s largest ally and weapons supplier, has previously vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, 2025, President-elect Donald Trump, a staunch Israel supporter, is set to succeed him.
