By Ollus Ndomu
The Biden administration has reportedly approved significant arms transfers to Israel, despite ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza War. According to reports from The Washington Post and Reuters, the authorized transfers include over 1,800 MK84 2,000lb bombs, 500 MK82 500lb bombs, and 25 F35A fighter jets.
These transfers come amid concerns raised by the Biden administration regarding civilian casualties in Gaza and humanitarian access to the territory, which the UN warns is on the brink of famine. The administration has also voiced opposition to a potential large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Rafah near the Egypt border.
However, some members of the president’s Democratic party have criticized the arms transfers, calling for limitations or conditionalities on US military aid to Israel. The US State Department has stated that it cannot confirm potential arms transfers before formal notification to Congress.
Reports indicate that the additional warplanes were initially approved by Congress in 2008 and were requested by Israel last year.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent visit to Washington reportedly included discussions on expediting the delivery of requested US weapons.
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