For the second time this month, the Biden administration bypasses Congress to approve an “emergency” arms sale to Israel, which continues its war on the Gaza Strip amid increasing international criticism. The US State Department said last Friday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress he had made a second emergency decision allowing the sale of weapons worth $147.5 million to Israel, including valves, detonators, and 155mm caliber shells.
The department added: “Given Israel’s defense needs, the Secretary informed Congress that he exercised his delegated authority to determine an existing emergency situation requiring immediate approval of the deal.”
The State Department also confirmed that “the United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is important for American national interests to ensure Tel Aviv’s ability to defend itself against threats it faces.”
The emergency decision means the purchase will bypass Congressional review requirements for foreign military sales. According to American media, such decisions are rare but not unprecedented, when administrations see an urgent need to deliver weapons without waiting for lawmakers’ approval. Blinken had made a similar decision on December 9th, approving the sale of nearly 14,000 tank shells to Israel worth more than $106 million.
The recent forms of US support to Israel amid the ongoing conflict with Gaza have been substantial and multifaceted. President Biden has pledged unwavering political and military support for Israel. This includes surging additional military assistance, such as ammunition and interceptors, to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system. The US is committed to ensuring that Israel does not run out of these critical defense assets. Biden emphasized the importance of supporting Israel’s right and duty to defend its cities and citizens against attacks.
US has provided Israel with weapons and diplomatic support, though it has recently expressed concerns over Israel’s methods, particularly the bombing of civilian areas and infrastructure. The Pentagon has even planned to send additional military ships and aircraft to the Eastern Mediterranean region to strengthen deterrence.
Despite this strong support for Israel, there have been calls within the U.S., including from members of the Democratic Party, for a ceasefire and for more accountability regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Concerns have been raised about the humanitarian impact of the conflict, particularly the high number of casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure in Gaza. There’s also a growing international outcry over the toll from the bombing and increasing calls for a “humanitarian pause” to allow aid to reach Gaza civilians.
