Biden Administration Once Again Circumvents Congressional Approval to Supply Military Equipment to Israel
Biden admin's latest move: Greenlighting military equipment sales to Israel, bypassing Congress This decision marks the second instance this month, raising concerns over the administration's approach to arms deals
The Biden administration has once again circumvented Congress to greenlight the transfer of close to $150 million in military equipment to Israel in support of its conflict with Hamas. Secretary of State Antony Blinken notified Congress of an emergency determination to swiftly approve the transfer of "155mm ancillary items including fuzes, charges, and primers that make 155mm shells functional," according to a State Department spokesperson on Friday.
The spokesperson informed Congress that due to the urgent defensive needs of Israel, the secretary had utilized his delegated authority to declare an emergency requiring immediate approval for the transfer. The spokesperson also noted that the total value of the sale had increased to $147.5 million due to the addition of extra items to previous sales.
Earlier this month, the administration expedited the sale of thousands of munitions to Israel, bypassing the usual 20-day review period by congressional committees. The State Department issued an emergency declaration to the oversight committees announcing the delivery of more than 13,000 tank shells to Israel without providing additional information, details, or assurances.
A spokesperson for the State Department stated, "We have consistently communicated to the Israeli government the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law and taking all practical measures to prevent harm to civilians."
The $106 million transaction was part of a larger request to sell a total of 45,000 tank shells to Israel.
