The United States has approved a $20 billion arms sale to Israel amidst escalating tensions in the region, as Israel bombs Gaza and prepares for retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah. The arms sale includes fighter jets, tank munitions, and air-to-air missiles. The State Department has cited the commitment to Israel’s security and national interests as reasons for approving the weapons transfer.
Critics have raised concerns about the US’s role in the conflict, urging the Biden administration to cut off weapons transfers to Israel. They argue that the US is complicit in the destruction of Gaza and that the weapons transfers are being used as leverage to secure a ceasefire agreement. Despite reports of Israeli forces violating international law and committing abuses, the flow of weapons has not been halted.
President Biden has expressed hope that a ceasefire agreement could prevent further escalation of the conflict. US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire to end the violence in Gaza. The US’s goal in the region is to “turn the temperature down” and work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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