The United States Issues License for Billions in New Military Aid to Israel

Two informed sources reported on Friday, April 10, that the United States has recently authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel. According to Reuters, this action comes as Washington has openly expressed its concerns about a potential Israeli military attack on Rafah in the Gaza Strip. The two informed sources, whose names were not disclosed by Reuters, stated that the new arms package includes over 1,800 two-thousand-pound (907 kg) MK 84 bombs and 500 five-hundred-pound MK 82 bombs. Washington provides $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel, its long-time ally. Reuters noted that U.S. military assistance is being provided at a time when Israel faces international criticism for its ongoing bombing and ground assault on Gaza, with some members of the Democratic Party in the U.S. calling on President Joe Biden to reduce military aid to Israel. The U.S. President stated on Friday that he is 'aware of the pain' many Arab Americans feel regarding the Gaza war and U.S. support for Israel and its military actions. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to continue military support for Israel. The White House declined to comment on the transfer of new weapons to Israel. The Israeli embassy in Washington also did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. According to Reuters, the decision regarding the new military aid package for Israel was made during the visit of Yoav Gallant, Israel's Defense Minister, to Washington. He discussed Israel's military needs with his American counterparts during his meetings. On Tuesday, he emphasized the importance of U.S. support for maintaining his country's security and preserving Israel's 'qualitative military superiority' in the region, including strengthening its air defense capabilities. Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, also, during a meeting with his Israeli counterpart, emphasized the Biden administration's strong support for Israel, stating that protecting Palestinian civilians in the Israel-Hamas war is a moral issue and a necessary strategy. The Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 of last year when Hamas militants, backed by the Islamic Republic, killed 1,200 people in southern Israel, most of whom were civilians. Hamas militants also took 253 people hostage, with the fate of 130 of them, including women, the elderly, and the sick, still unknown. Israel, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, and several other countries have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization. Ben Sabti: The disagreement between the U.S. and Israel is political and temporary. Israel is calling for the establishment of an Arab peacekeeping force to ensure the security of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The continuation of U.S. air deliveries to Gaza residents; tens of thousands of meals have been delivered. The Israeli Defense Minister: We will target Hezbollah in Beirut, Damascus, and any other distant locations. Netanyahu agreed to negotiations in Qatar and Egypt with the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet present. Intense clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas around Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.