US (Washington Insider Magazine)—Despite mounting tensions over the Gaza conflict, the United States has authorized substantial arms transfers to Israel valued at billions of dollars. According to reports by The Washington Post and Reuters, the package includes over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs, 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, and 25 F-35A fighter jets.
The larger MK84 bombs have been linked to significant casualties in Gaza, sparking criticism from global human rights groups. Washington, which provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military aid, has recently raised concerns about increasing civilian deaths and limited humanitarian access to Gaza, a region described by the UN as being on the brink of famine.
While the Biden administration has expressed disapproval of a potential large-scale Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, the authorization of advanced weapons has drawn sharp criticism. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the move a “moral contradiction,” emphasizing the inconsistency between urging Israel to reduce civilian casualties and supplying weapons that contribute to them.
Members of President Biden’s Democratic Party have also voiced concerns, calling for stricter conditions on US military aid to ensure changes in Israel’s operational conduct.
The arms transfers, some of which were part of long-standing agreements, underscore Israel’s reliance on US military support during the Gaza conflict. Tens of thousands of bombs have already been deployed in what military experts describe as one of the most destructive air campaigns in recent history.
Meanwhile, renewed talks on hostages held by Hamas and a possible truce are underway, with senior Israeli officials expected to meet their US counterparts in Washington to explore alternatives for operations in Rafah.
As tensions persist, the US continues to reaffirm its commitment to Israel, with White House officials emphasizing the importance of supporting its ally while navigating the complexities of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
