Despite the growing tensions between the Israeli government and the Biden administration, the United States authorized the transfer of several weapons, including bombs and fighter jets, worth billions of dollars a few days ago, according to information reported by The Washington Post. The delivery reportedly includes over 1,800 MK84 bombs and 500 MK82 bombs, citing officials from the Pentagon and the State Department familiar with the matter.
This decision demonstrates that Washington does not intend to pressure the Israeli government by limiting arms deliveries, unlike Canada, for example. "We have continued to support Israel’s right to defend itself," said a White House official quoted by The Washington Post. "Conditioning aid has not been our policy."
However, within the Democratic Party, this decision is not unanimous. Many Democrats believe that President Joe Biden should receive assurances, particularly regarding the Israeli plan for an offensive on Rafah, before authorizing the arms delivery. The United States, in fact, fears the humanitarian and political consequences of such an operation.
According to The Washington Post, the US State Department authorized the transfer of 25 F-35A fighter jets and engines worth approximately $2.5 billion last week, citing US officials. Since Congress approved this transfer in 2008, the State Department was not required to notify lawmakers again.
The MK84 and MK82 bombs, whose transfer was authorized this week, were also approved by Congress several years ago but had not yet been delivered.
This delivery follows a visit to Washington by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, during which he asked the United States to expedite arms deliveries.
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