Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The Trump administration has informed Congress that it plans to sell nearly $6 billion worth of weapons to Israel. This comes as a sign of strong support for Israel, even though the country faces increasing international criticism over its war in Gaza.
Details Of The Weapons Package
The deal includes two major arms sales. The first is worth $3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache helicopters, which will almost double Israel’s existing fleet. The second is worth $1.9 billion for 3,200 infantry assault vehicles to strengthen the Israeli army. These weapons are expected to be delivered in two to three years or more.
Context Of The Deal
The announcement comes at a time when US efforts to negotiate peace between Israel and Hamas have stalled. Recently, Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, led to strong condemnation from US allies in the Middle East. Despite these tensions, the US continues to provide military support to Israel.
Growing International Opposition
Israel is under heavy criticism globally. The U.K. has already suspended some weapons sales over concerns about violations of international law and even barred Israeli officials from attending its biggest arms fair. Turkiye has closed its airspace to Israeli government planes and banned arms cargo. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza as disproportionate.
Domestic Debate In The US
Within the United States, some Senate Democrats have pushed to block the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. Still, the Trump administration is moving forward with the plan. The State Department declined to comment on the details, which were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Biden Hold Lifted By Trump
Earlier, the Biden administration had paused the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel due to concerns over civilian casualties. However, when Donald Trump took office in January, he removed that hold and resumed arms supplies.
Previous Military Support To Israel
So far this year, the Trump administration has already approved about $12 billion in military assistance to Israel. In June, the US approved a $500 million deal to supply bomb guidance kits to help Israel carry out more precise airstrikes.
Trump’s Diplomatic Plans
In addition to arms sales, Trump announced that he will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Washington next week. Their discussions will include Turkey’s possible purchase of Boeing aircraft and negotiations over F-16 fighter jets.
War Situation In Gaza
Israel is pressing forward with a new offensive aimed at taking control of Gaza City. Meanwhile, an international group of genocide scholars has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, increasing the pressure on Israel globally.
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