US approves £6.5bn arms deal to bolster Israel's defense
American and Israeli media report that the United States is set to arm Israel once more. Details are currently being finalised regarding a deal for the provision of missiles and aerial bombs. It is emphasised that both President Biden and President Trump share a similar approach to continued cooperation with Israel.
CNN, citing an "official and another source familiar with the matter," reports that the State Department has informally notified Congress about the planned sale of £6.5 billion worth of weapons to Israel.
The U.S. prepares an arms package for Israel
The Axios website reported that the arms package prepared for Israel will primarily include 155-mm artillery shells and ammunition for fighter jets and attack helicopters used by the Israeli Air Force.
The list is expected to include AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) medium-range air-to-air missiles, specifically the new AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM variant. These missiles can be used by fighter jets to target objects at distances of over 100 kilometres.
Additionally, the prepared package for Israel will include JDAM bombs, GBU-39 SDB bombs, and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (helicopter-launched fire-and-forget) designed for attack helicopters. These missiles are intended for destroying armoured ground targets.
A faithful ally of Israel
President Biden's administration consistently asserts its commitment to help its ally defend against groups supported by Iran—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen, which also pose challenges to the U.S. due to actions like the downing of valuable reconnaissance drones flying over the Middle East.
"The president has made clear Israel has a right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression from Iran and its proxy organisations," said an American official quoted by the Axios portal.
The last arms package for Israel, valued at £16 billion, was approved in August of the previous year. President Biden's term ends on 20 January, but the president-elect, Donald Trump, who is set to succeed him, is not expected to alter the U.S. approach to Israel. As highlighted by American and Israeli media, both are staunch supporters of Israel.
