The Biden administration is currently evaluating a potential arms sale to Israel. This action comes amidst increasing pressures from some political corners to halt military aid to Israel as humanitarian crises in Gaza continue to rise.
Details of the Proposed Deal
The deal under consideration involves a substantial package of military hardware. Specifically, the U.S. is looking at selling up to 50 new F-15 fighter jets, along with 30 AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles.
Additionally, the package includes Joint Direct Attack Munition kits, a technology designed to upgrade conventional bombs into precision-guided munitions.
Congressional Notification
The Biden Administration has informally notified Congress about the arms sale. The notification is a preliminary step, with the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s chairman already endorsing the deal to proceed to the next phase of formal Congressional notification.
Pentagon and State Department
The Pentagon, when questioned about the sale, redirected inquiries to the State Department, which has remained silent on the issue, not responding to requests for comments. This lack of response has added an element of uncertainty to the discussions surrounding the proposed arms deal.
Growing Calls for Restraint
Amidst the deliberations over the arms sale, there is an intensifying call from various quarters, including members of President Biden’s own Democratic Party, for the U.S. to reconsider its military support for Israel.
This comes in light of Israel’s aggressive military campaign in Gaza against Hamas militants, which has led to a significant number of Palestinian casualties.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Since October, an ongoing military offensive by Israel in Gaza has resulted in the death of 30,000 Palestinians, the displacement of millions more, and the destruction of critical infrastructure needed to care for the population. This stark figure has fueled the debate over the U.S.’s role in supplying weapons to Israel.
Opposition to a Ground Invasion
There is a particular concern over Israel’s potential large-scale ground invasion of Rafah, a city in Gaza’s south. The city has become a makeshift shelter for over a million Palestinian civilians displaced from the conflict’s northern territories. Critics argue that the U.S. should withhold weapons if Israel proceeds with this invasion without a clear plan for civilian safety.
U.S. Caution Against Invasion
U.S. officials have voiced their concerns regarding any potential ground invasion of Rafah, emphasizing the need for a plan that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians in the area.
Leveraging U.S. Influence
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, spoke on the necessity of the U.S. leveraging its influence to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his repeated dismissals of President Biden’s efforts to engage in dialogue.
The Humanitarian Perspective
On ABC News’s “This Week,” Van Hollen articulated his view that the U.S. should not send more weapons to Israel until it permits an increase in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He highlighted the desperate situation of many Gazans who are starving to death, arguing for a shift in U.S. policy to prioritize humanitarian aid.
Resignation in Protest
Josh Paul, a veteran of the State Department with over a decade of service, resigned in October. His resignation came as a protest against the Biden administration’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. In his resignation letter, Paul argued that the adverse effects of supplying lethal arms to Israel far outweighed any positive impact he could achieve in his role.
The Ethical Dilemma
Paul’s resignation underscores a deeper ethical dilemma facing the U.S. in its foreign policy decisions, particularly regarding arms sales.
The Broader Implications
The proposed arms sale to Israel and the surrounding controversy highlight the complex dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations, the ethical considerations of arms sales, and the broader geopolitical implications.
Looking Forward
As the Biden administration moves forward with its decision-making process regarding the arms sale, the international community, policymakers, and the public alike await with keen interest. The decision will not only affect U.S.-Israel relations but also set a precedent for how the U.S. navigates its role on the global stage amidst humanitarian crises.
