US approves $680 million arms deal for Israel
An Israeli soldier moves a 155mm artillery shell near a self-propelled howitzer near the Israel-Lebanon border, Oct. 18, 2023 (AFP Photo)
The Joe Biden administration is moving forward with a $680 million arms package for Israel, a U.S. official confirmed on Wednesday.
The official emphasized that the deal is unrelated to the recently announced cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Why it matters
The arms deal highlights the U.S.’s enduring commitment to Israel’s defense, even amid regional tensions and international scrutiny.
Key details
- The package includes thousands of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits, which are used to convert unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons.
- U.S. officials stressed that the agreement has been under development for several months, predating the Lebanon cease-fire.
- Deliveries are expected to begin no earlier than late 2025, reflecting the long-term nature of the arrangement.
What officials are saying
- According to the Times of Israel, a U.S. official said: “This has nothing to do with the ceasefire in Lebanon… This deal should be viewed as part of long-term support for Israel’s defense.”
- Another official reiterated that arms sales are governed by U.S. law, which prohibits their use in war crimes or blocking humanitarian aid.
Netanyahu’s claims, US rebuttal
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Biden administration had delayed weapons shipments, suggesting these delays would end following the January inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.
- U.S. officials denied the accusation, explaining that only a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs had been temporarily withheld because of concerns about their use in densely populated areas.
Context, disputes
- Israeli media reports suggested that the U.S. agreed to release withheld weapons as part of the Lebanon ceasefire deal, but Washington has firmly denied this.
- U.S. Special Envoy Amos Hochstein, who mediated the ceasefire, dismissed claims that the Biden administration had threatened to push a UN Security Council resolution if Israel rejected the agreement.
Big picture
The arms deal underscores the U.S.’s strategic commitment to Israel’s security while balancing concerns about adherence to international humanitarian law and civilian safety during military operations.
