The United States has recently authorized the shipment of bombs and military planes to Israel, amidst ongoing tensions and conflict in the Gaza Strip, The Washington Post disclosed. This considerable military support arrives as the U.S. publicly voices concerns over potential Israeli military actions in Rafah ( southern Gaza). this package is in addition to the usual U.S. aid package, which amounts to 3.8 billion dollars annually.
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IAF F35 in standby during operation in Gaza strip (Picture source : Opensource )
The United States provides Israel with substantial financial assistance annually, primarily for military purposes. This aid package amounts to approximately $3.8 billion each year. This financial support is part of a long-term Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries, aimed at ensuring Israel's military edge in the region. The aid predominantly comes in the form of Foreign Military Financing (FMF), allowing Israel to purchase advanced military equipment and technology from the U.S. Additionally, a portion of this aid is allocated for missile defense systems.
Detailed by Pentagon and State Department officials, this new wave of military aid encompasses 1,800 MK-84 bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds, and 500 MK-82 bombs, each weighing 500 pounds. Furthermore, the package includes 25 state-of-the-art F-35 fighter jets, part of a broader agreement initially sanctioned by Congress in 2008. Israel's request last July for an additional squadron of F-35s aims to expand its fleet to 75 aircraft, signifying a substantial boost in its aerial combat capabilities. However, the delivery of these jets is expected to span several years, with only 36 out of the planned 50 F-35s delivered to date.
The United States maintains a robust annual military assistance program to Israel, totaling $3.8 billion. Amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, the U.S. has expedited the delivery of air defenses and munitions to support Israel. However, this unwavering support has faced criticism from various groups within the U.S., urging the Biden administration to leverage military aid to influence Israeli policies.
In defense of its position, the White House has reiterated its support for Israel's right to self-defense, dismissing the idea of conditioning aid. This stance was further solidified when Israel was deemed compliant with a new national security memorandum, following a written assurance from Jerusalem about its use of American weaponry by international law and its commitment not to hinder humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Despite ongoing assessments of Israel's adherence to international humanitarian law, which have not found violations in the conduct of the war or the provision of humanitarian aid, the State Department has been tasked with reporting to Congress on Israel's compliance by May 8.
Amid these developments, the United States abstained from a United Nations Security Council vote calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, a move that did not sit well with Israel and led to the postponement of strategic discussions between the two nations.
The U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Charles Q. Brown Jr., noted that Israel has not received every military request, citing U.S. military readiness and capacity limitations. This cautious approach underscores the complex considerations involved in providing military aid to allies.
As Israel plans for a significant ground operation in Rafah, tensions over the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza continue, with the U.S. expressing increasing concern over civilian casualties and the overall humanitarian situation in the region.
Defense News April 2024
