Time to oppose sale of US$735 million arms to Israel by United States

Earlier this month, the Biden administration notified lawmakers that it approved a US$735 million arms sale to Israel. These are mostly Boeing-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions that can turn so-called dumb bombs into precision-guided missiles. 

The Washington Post first reported the sale Monday morning.

The sale has prompted some concern from Democrats who have pressed the administration to limit military support for the Israeli government in the face of its growing assault on Gaza.

Among them is Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), who said in a statement Monday it would be “appalling” if the sale moved forward.

“It would be appalling for the Biden administration to go through with US$735 million in precision-guided weaponry to Netanyahu without any strings attached in the wake of escalating violence and attacks on civilians,” Omar said in a statement.

“If this goes through this will be seen as a green light for continued escalation and will undercut any attempts at brokering a ceasefire,” added Omar, one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress.

At this point, the window for Congress to block the sale is all but closed.

The notification earlier this month set off a 15-day clock for Congress to act. There are four days left in that window, and it takes 10 days once a resolution of disapproval has been introduced before someone can force a vote to bring it to the floor.

Meanwhile, President Biden had his third call with Netanyahu in less than a week amid the crisis. During the call, Biden expressed support for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the White House said, marking the first time Biden has publicly backed a ceasefire after a week of diplomatic efforts to ease the violence.

“The President expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end,” the White House said.

Egypt is considered a key interlocutor in dealing with Hamas and negotiating with the Israelis on efforts to achieve a ceasefire. The US does not speak with Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organization.

Biden has faced increasing pressure from Democrats leading up to the call on Monday, particularly after an Israeli strike on a Gaza building that housed The Associated Press and other international media organizations.