US to send 2,000 bombs to Israel amid fears of Rafah assault: Report

The new weapons package includes over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs and 25 F-35s

The Joe Biden administration has approved the transfer of additional bombs and fighter jets valued at billions of dollars to Israel despite expressing concerns about a potential military operation in Gaza’s Rafah by Israeli forces. 

The new weapons package includes over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs and 25 F-35s. These were originally part of a larger deal approved by the US Congress in 2008, according to The Washington Post. 

It is worth noting that the U.S. provides Israel, its longstanding partner, with $3.8 billion in yearly military aid. 

The White House did not respond to the arms transfer, and the Israeli embassy in Washington did not comment on the issue. 

This move comes as Israel faces global censure for its lethal operation in the Gaza Strip following a Hamas assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7 last year. The Palestinian health ministry reports a death toll exceeding 32,000 in Gaza thus far. 

Additionally, this decision follows the U.S. abstention from a March 25 vote on a resolution urging an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel criticized Washington, accusing it of deviating from its U.N. policy. 

Several members of President Joe Biden’s Democratic Party have urged him to cease U.S. military aid to Israel. 

On Friday, Biden acknowledged the distress felt by numerous Arab Americans due to the conflict in Gaza and the U.S. backing of Israel and its military campaign, causing frustration and dissatisfaction among Arabs, Muslims and anti-war activists. 

 Source: Reuters