US approves additional bombs, warplanes sales to Israel

WASHINGTON: Amid escalating tensions and concerns over potential military actions in southern Gaza, the Biden administration has quietly sanctioned the transfer of billions of dollars of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, The Washington Post reported.

Despite apprehensions about the impact on Palestinian civilians, Washington has proceeded with the arms packages, signalling its unwavering support for Israel's defence strategies, the report added.

The recent authorizations include a substantial arsenal of munitions, comprising over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, as confirmed by Pentagon and State Department officials familiar with the matter. The decision to greenlight such significant weaponry raises eyebrows, particularly given the lethal history of the 2,000-pound bombs in previous Israeli military campaigns in Gaza, which have resulted in mass casualties, as reported by The Washington Post.

While the Biden administration has expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of an Israeli offensive in southern Gaza, it has refrained from conditioning aid or imposing restrictions on arms transfers. A White House official reiterated the administration's stance, affirming its continued support for Israel's right to self-defence and emphasising that conditioning aid has not been part of its policy.

However, some Democratic voices, including allies of President Biden, argue for a more nuanced approach, insisting on Israeli commitments to minimise civilian casualties and facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland urged the administration to leverage its influence effectively, demanding assurances from Israel before approving further arms transfers to Gaza.

The impasse highlights the delicate balance in US-Israel relations, with disagreements emerging over the conduct of the conflict. While the Biden administration seeks to engage with Israeli authorities to mitigate the bloodshed, tensions have flared over the refusal to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire, which Israel perceived as undermining its position.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant's recent visit to Washington underscored Israel's urgent requests for expedited weaponry, with Gen Charles Q Brown Jr, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledging Israel's persistent demands for critical military supplies. However, the US has exercised discretion in fulfilling these requests, citing capacity limits and strategic considerations.

The decision to proceed with arms transfers has drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about the moral implications and potential complicity in Israel's military actions. Critics argue that the indiscriminate use of powerful munitions, such as the MK84 bombs, poses significant risks to civilian populations and may constitute violations of international law, according to The Washington Post.

The Biden administration's approach has also sparked internal debate, with advocates defending the need to maintain robust support for Israel's security while acknowledging the humanitarian imperative of minimising civilian harm. Efforts to engage with Israeli officials behind the scenes have yielded mixed results, with delays in planned military operations in Gaza attributed partly to ongoing discussions.

Despite the diplomatic tensions, the Biden administration remains committed to facilitating humanitarian assistance to alleviate the dire conditions in Gaza. However, logistical challenges and Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries have hindered efforts to address the humanitarian crisis effectively.

In navigating the complexities of the conflict, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to reconcile its support for Israel's security with its humanitarian obligations and concerns about civilian welfare. The delicate balancing act underscores the broader challenges of US foreign policy in the Middle East, where geopolitical interests intersect with moral imperatives.

As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, the Biden administration confronts a daunting task in reconciling competing priorities and upholding its commitments to both Israel's security and the well-being of Palestinian civilians, The Washington Post reported.