The administration of US President Joe Biden has approved a major arms package for Israel worth $8 billion, including ammunition for fighter jets, artillery shells and helicopter missiles, the Israeli news agency Walla reported on Saturday.
The unnamed sources said the US State Department had informally informed Congress about the arms deal, which is expected to be the final package of the outgoing administration before President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20.
The sources said that while some of the equipment could come from existing US stocks, most would require new production and delivery is expected over several years.
The US official reiterated President Biden’s position on what he called Israel’s right to self-defense:
“The president has made it clear that Israel has the right to protect its citizens in accordance with international and humanitarian law. We will continue to provide the necessary capabilities to defend Israel.”
The move contradicts claims by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies about a so-called “silent arms embargo” imposed by the Biden administration in recent months.
The Palestinian Authority says more than 45,700 people have been killed and more than 108,800 wounded in the Gaza Strip since the start of Israel’s war in October 2023.
In November last year, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice over the war in Gaza.
