The new arms sales package to Israel includes ammunition for fighter jets and attack helicopters as well as artillery shells, small diameter bombs and warheads, according to two US officials, who did not want to be identified.
Israeli soldiers fire mortar rounds near the Israel-Gaza border in southern Israel on January 3, 2024.
One of the two US officials revealed a new arms sales package including AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missiles to fight drones and other aerial threats, 155 mm artillery shells, Hellfire AGM-114 missiles, and other bombs and guidance systems.
In addition, another official said President Biden has made clear that Israel has the right to protect its citizens “in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law”, and Washington will continue to provide capabilities necessary for Israel’s defense.
According to this official, some types of ammunition can be supplied through current US stockpiles, while most will take several years to be delivered. The US State Department did not respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters.
Protesters have demanded an arms embargo on Israel for months, but US policy remains largely unchanged, according to Reuters. In August 2024, the US agreed to sell fighter jets and other military equipment worth $20 billion to Israel.
President Biden’s administration emphasized that it is helping Israel fight Iran-backed groups such as Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.
President Biden (Democratic Party) is expected to leave office on January 20, when President-elect Donald Trump (Republican Party) will take office. Both are strong supporters of Israel, according to Reuters.
