Chicago January 5, 2025
On January 3, 2025, the Biden administration informed Congress about a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel. This deal includes munitions for fighter jets, attack helicopters, artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads. The sale must still be approved by committees in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The United States has been a strong supporter of Israel, especially during its ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has caused significant casualties. Over 45,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.
Despite protests from activists calling for an arms embargo, U.S. policy has not changed, with the Biden administration arguing that it is helping Israel defend itself from groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
In August 2024, the U.S. approved a separate $20 billion arms deal with Israel. U.S. officials have also blocked U.N. Security Council efforts to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. While Israel’s military actions have been heavily criticized internationally, the U.S. has remained a key ally, with both President Biden and his successor, Donald Trump, strongly supporting Israel’s defense efforts.
The arms sale is part of the ongoing U.S. commitment to its ally, even amid widespread calls for a change in policy.
