On Tuesday, the Biden administration notified congressional committees of its plan to advance over $1 billion in arms deals for Israel, according to U.S. officials privy to the situation. This substantial military aid transfer follows a recent pause by the White House on a bomb shipment due to concerns over potential civilian casualties from a planned assault in southern Gaza.
The proposed arms deals include $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles, and $60 million in mortar rounds, officials disclosed on the condition of anonymity. This move underscores the administration's cautious approach to balancing pro-Israel donor interests within the Democratic Party against the broader political landscape. Last week, the administration faced criticism for withholding a shipment that included controversial 2,000-pound bombs, often associated with significant civilian casualties in Gaza.
Republicans, including Sen. Tom Cotton (Ark.), have accused President Biden of imposing an "arms embargo" on Israel. However, a U.S. official reassured The Washington Post that "arms transfers are proceeding as scheduled," referencing national security adviser Jake Sullivan's remarks on ongoing military support to Israel. The notification, initially reported by the Wall Street Journal, was sent to relevant House and Senate committees as part of a "tiered review" process before formal congressional notification.
Critics argue that advancing this arms package undermines U.S. efforts to limit Israel's military operations in Lebanon and Gaza, advocating for a more targeted approach. Israeli officials are preparing for a major offensive in southern Gaza to eliminate four Hamas battalions in Rafah, despite U.S. warnings about severe civilian casualties and hindering humanitarian aid to the region, which is already experiencing severe shortages.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the potential for "terrible harm to civilians" and doubted the operation's efficacy in eradicating Hamas entirely. Critics warn that moving forward with the arms deals sends a message to Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that U.S. warnings can be ignored without jeopardizing future military support.
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) voiced his opposition, urging a halt on offensive arms transfers until Israel addresses the president’s concerns about Rafah and meets demands for humanitarian aid delivery. Van Hollen argued that this decision undermines the president's earlier stance.
Nevertheless, many Republicans and Democrats support continued U.S. arms transfers to Israel. Sullivan explained that a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs was paused to avoid using them in densely populated areas. He reiterated the administration's commitment to providing Israel with significant military assistance against threats from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran, confirming that military aid is ongoing.