US Approves Additional Military Aid for Israel

The Biden administration recently approved the transfer of more than 1,000 500-pound bombs and over 1,000 small-diameter bombs to Israel. This decision was made despite US concerns about Israel's actions in the Gaza conflict.

The authorization for the transfer of MK82 bombs and small-diameter bombs, totaling over 2,000 munitions, was given before Israel's attack on a humanitarian convoy in Gaza. This attack resulted in the tragic deaths of seven employees from the aid organization World Central Kitchen, as confirmed by a State Department spokesperson.

Israel recently received approval for the transfer of weaponry, while also facing international criticism for a recent strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted that aid workers were unintentionally targeted.

In a separate incident, the US approved the transfer of similar weaponry, such as the MK84 bombs, which have been linked to mass casualty events in Gaza. CNN reported on Israeli strikes on refugee camps in Gaza using the MK84 bombs last year.

None of these transfers had to be newly notified to or approved by Congress, as they were already approved by lawmakers in 2012 and 2015. The contracts are currently being fulfilled because the munitions had to be produced, which can take several years, as stated in arms sales notifications by the Pentagon available on the Federal Register.

The Biden administration has made it clear that they do not intend to restrict or condition military aid to Israel, despite public statements from US officials, including President Joe Biden, expressing concern over Israel's efforts to protect civilians during the six-month war. President Biden expressed his outrage over the strike that killed aid workers and is scheduled to speak with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Thursday.

According to the ministry of health in Gaza, more than 32,000 people have lost their lives since October. In response to a terror attack by Hamas on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, Israel declared war on the militant group.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the long-standing commitment to Israel's security during a press conference in Paris. He mentioned that the weapons and systems requested by Israel from the US are for self-defense, deterrence, and replenishing their stocks. Blinken also noted that some of these requests date back many years.

The US is currently involved in new arms sales with Israel, including a planned $18 billion sale of F-15 fighter jets that is awaiting approval, as reported by CNN on Monday. This is a developing story and more updates will follow.

CNN’s Jennifer Hansler contributed to this report.

Editor's P/S:

The Biden administration's approval of arms transfers to Israel amidst concerns about civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict raises serious ethical and humanitarian questions. Despite the administration's