U.S. set to finalize $8 billion arms deal with Israel
American and Israeli media report that the United States will once again arm Israel. This time, details are being finalized regarding a deal for the sale of missiles and aerial bombs. It is emphasized that both President Biden and President Trump have the same approach to further cooperation with Israel.
CNN, citing an "official and another source familiar with the matter," reports that the State Department has informally notified Congress about the planned sale of $8 (CAD 11.5) billion worth of weapons to Israel.
The U.S. prepares an arms package for Israel
The Axios website reported that the arms package being prepared for Israel will primarily include 155 mm (6-inch) artillery shells and ammunition for fighter jets and attack helicopters used by the Israeli Air Force.
The list is expected to include AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) in the new AIM-120C-8 variant. These types of missiles are carried by fighter jets and allow for targeting at distances of over 100 km (62 miles).
Additionally, the prepared package for Israel will include JDAM bombs, GBU-39 SDB bombs, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (Helicopter launched fire-and-forget) designed for attack helicopters. These missiles are intended for destroying armoured ground targets.
A faithful ally of Israel
President Biden's administration continuously claims to help its ally defend against groups supported by Iran—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, which consistently pose challenges to the U.S. as well since they shoot down valuable reconnaissance drones flying over the Middle East.
"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 organisations," said an American official quoted by the Axios portal.
The last arms package for Israel (worth $20 billion, approximately CAD 29 billion) was approved in August last year. President Biden's term ends on January 20, but the president-elect Donald Trump, who is to take his place, will not change the U.S. approach to Israel. As emphasized by American and Israeli media, both leaders are staunch supporters of Israel.
