The deal would need approval from the House of
Representatives and Senate committees and includes munitions for fighter jets
and attack helicopters as well as artillery shells, Axios reported earlier. The
package also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads, according to Axios.
Protesters have for months demanded an arms embargo
against Israel, but US policy has largely remained unchanged. In August 2024,
the United States approved the sale of US$20 billion in fighter jets and
other military equipment to Israel.
The
Biden administration says it is helping its ally defend against Iran-backed
militant groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in
Yemen.
Facing international criticism, Washington has stood by
Israel during its assault on Gaza that has displaced nearly all of Gaza's 2.3
million population, caused a hunger crisis and led to genocide
accusations.
The Gaza health ministry puts the death toll at over 45,000
people, with many additional feared buried under rubble.
Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to end the
15-month-old Israeli war in Gaza that was triggered after an October 07,
2023 attack by Palestinian Hamas militants that killed 1,200 and in
which about 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.
Washington, Israel's biggest ally and weapons supplier, has
also previously vetoed UN Security Council resolutions on a ceasefire in
Gaza.
Democrat Biden is due to leave office on January 20, 2025
when Republican President-elect Donald Trump will succeed him. Both
are strong backers of Israel.
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