White House Authorizes Transfer of $2.5bn of Warplanes and Weapons to Israel
The Washington Post Reports
The United States has approved the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel. Despite expressing concerns over an Israeli invasion of Gaza’s Rafah and the rising civilian casualties, the White House has given the green light to the arms transfer, according to an article published by The Washington Post.
The New Arms Package
The arms package, as reported by Pentagon and Department of State officials, includes more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs. The Washington Post revealed on Friday that the 2,000-pound bombs, capable of causing damage up to 1,000 feet away, have been linked to previous mass-casualty events throughout Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. It is worth noting that the United States provides $3.8bn in annual military assistance to Israel.
Growing Rift and An Unexpected Transfer
Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett, reporting from Washington, DC, highlighted that the weapons transfer amounts to approximately $2.5bn and is occurring amidst a growing rift between the Israeli and US governments.
Although publicly pressuring Israel to scale back its war in Gaza, the US is essentially sending an entirely different signal with this transfer of weapons, according to Marc Owen Jones, associate professor of Middle East studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University.
Continued Weapons Packages and International Concerns
Despite pushing for an end to hostilities in the five-month war, the US is still providing weapons packages to Israel. Moreover, the US did not veto a United Nations Security Council resolution, demanding an immediate Gaza Strip ceasefire and the release of captives. This move contradicts the US’s public pressure on Israel to de-escalate.
Various individuals and organizations have called for Israel to abide by the International Court of Justice’s order, allowing unimpeded aid delivery into Gaza. US senators have also urged President Joe Biden to condition military aid to Israel on ensuring humanitarian access for Gaza.
Reactions to the Weapons Transfer
US Senator Bernie Sanders condemned the transfer of weapons, describing it as “obscene.” He emphasized the inconsistency in the US approach, where on one hand bombing of civilians is condemned, and on the other hand, thousands of 2,000-pound bombs are being sent, which can level entire city blocks.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi called on the international community to halt the supply of weapons to Israel, citing the dire conditions in Gaza and the associated suffering.
‘Business as Usual’
President Biden, despite acknowledging the pain experienced by many Arab Americans in relation to the war in Gaza, has promised to continue the United States’ support for Israel. This comes despite a public disagreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu initially canceled a planned meeting to discuss Israeli offensive plans but has now requested for the meeting to be rescheduled.
The relentless assistance to Israel, which humanitarian organizations argue is obstructing aid to Gaza as famine-like conditions spread, is challenging President Biden’s efforts to present the US as a moral authority internationally.
Provided the US passed a federal funding bill recently, reaffirming military aid to Israel while cutting funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, the US’s policy appears to be business as usual despite efforts to demonstrate moral commitment.
Rafah’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
Israel’s threats to expand the ground invasion to Rafah City, located in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip bordering Egypt, have instilled fear and exhaustion amongst the residents. They worry that Rafah may face the same fate as Gaza City or Khan Younis, where public facilities and infrastructure have been obliterated.
