The Biden administration has informally notified U.S. Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, Axios reported on
Friday, citing two sources. The deal is subject to approval by House and Senate committees, and it involves artillery shells, air-to-air missiles for fighter jets, and other defensive equipment to counter threats such as drones. The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A U.S. official quoted by Axios stated that “The President has made clear Israel has a right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression from Iran and its proxy organizations.” In addition to the missiles and shells, the proposed package also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads.
Diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing 15-month-old Israeli war in Gaza have so far failed. President Joe Biden, who is due to leave office on January 20, will be succeeded by Donald Trump.
