Axios: Biden Administration's Plan to Sell $8 Billion in Weapons to Israel

The news outlet Axios reported on Friday, January 14, citing an American official, that the Joe Biden administration has informed the U.S. Congress about a plan to sell $8 billion worth of weapons to Israel. According to the report, the plan requires approval from the committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate and includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, as well as artillery shells. Axios added that the plan also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads. As of the time of this report, the U.S. State Department has not responded to this report. According to Reuters, the United States also approved a sale of fighter jets and military equipment worth $20 billion to Israel last summer. The continued military support from the U.S. to Israel comes at a time when some critics have called for a review and some even for a halt to it. Following the terrorist attack by Hamas, a group backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran, on October 7 of last year, senior officials in the Biden administration have repeatedly emphasized Israel's right and duty to defend its citizens, reaffirming America's ironclad commitment to supporting the security of its Middle Eastern ally. The Biden administration supported Israel during the Iranian government's attacks on April 14 and October 2, playing a significant role in intercepting and destroying projectiles fired by the Islamic Republic towards Israel. The Israeli army's assault on Gaza followed the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the kidnapping of over 250 individuals, including women, the elderly, and children. Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that the war against Hamas and other Palestinian militants in Gaza will continue until Hamas is destroyed and all kidnapped hostages are freed. The United States, the European Union, Israel, and many other countries consider Hamas a terrorist organization. Israel has intercepted missiles and drones from Iran-backed Houthis. Israel has attacked 40 locations and command centers of Hamas. Secretary of State Blinken stated to Voice of America that efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages continue. The United States has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East.