The US State Department has informally notified Congress of an $8 billion proposed arms sale to Israel according to a report on Friday, weeks before the Biden administration leaves office.
The State Department presented the agreement as a measure to "support Israel's long-term security by resupplying stocks of critical munitions and air defence capabilities," Axios reported, citing a source familiar with the matter.
"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 organizations. We will continue to provide the capabilities necessary for Israel's defence," a US official was quoted in the report.
The proposed arms sale, pending congressional approval, includes AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles targeted at airborne threats including drones and fighter jets, 155mm artillery shells, small diameter bombs, 500-pound warheads, bomb fuses and other related equipment, the report added.
The sale will reportedly see munitions delivered from current US stocks, while the majority will take one or more years to be produced and delivered.
Israel continues to face accusations from human rights groups of violations of international law, including in its use of US weapons, in its war with Hamas in Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed. An accusation which it denies.
The US faces criticism for providing military aid to Israel, who according to human rights groups violates international law, including its use of US weapons in its offensive in Gaza.
Biden had earlier halted shipments of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs to Israel in May because of its offensive on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, citing civilian casualties in the enclave as a consequence of the bombs. In July, he decided to move ahead with the shipment of 500-pound bombs to Israel after a two-month pause.
The flow of other military equipment to Israel continued, however, including $20 billion in fighter jets and other military supplies that were approved by the State Department in August.
The US, which provides $3.8 billion in annual security assistance to Israel, is by far the biggest supplier of arms to Tel Aviv, with more than 70% of Israel’s arms imports coming from the US, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
US-made weapons have been documented in several Israeli strikes on Gaza that resulted in civilian casualties, although American authorities have declined to confirm the fact.
A State Department report in May said it is “reasonable to assess” that Israel used US-made weapons in ways that are inconsistent with international humanitarian law. The report stopped short of reaching a definitive conclusion, saying it does not have "complete information."
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
Danish jeweler Pandora estimates that U.S. tariffs could cost the company around 1.2 billion crowns ($178 million) annually. While some mitigation is possible, Pandora is exploring further measures, including price adjustments and supply chain changes, to reduce the financial burden.
A roundtable discussion on Azerbaijan’s demining initiatives was held at the Hudson Institute in Washington, organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy. Representatives from ANAMA and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided insights into ongoing operations and challenges related to landmine clearance.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has strongly condemned the newly announced US tariffs, warning that they could trigger an economic downturn, lead to a global recession, and disrupt international trade.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
The United States is relapsing into an old identity. In 2025, President Donald Trump revived the strategy that once defined the American economy — tariffs. For more than a century, from 1789 to 1913, tariffs powered U.S. government revenues and protected domestic industry.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s inner circle is advising him against speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin unless Russia commits to a full ceasefire in Ukraine, NBC News reported on Thursday, citing administration officials.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy, is visiting Washington this week for talks with members of the Trump administration, sparking fresh speculation over behind-the-scenes diplomacy between Moscow and Washington.
A Russian drone strike hit residential buildings in Kharkiv late on Thursday, killing at least two people and injuring 32 others, Ukrainian officials said, as nightly attacks on the country's cities continue to mount.
In Sydney’s Bennelong, where Chinese Australians make up a large share of the electorate, the fight for votes is playing out on unexpected turf: Xiaohongshu.
Leaders from Central Asia and the European Union will meet in Samarkand on April 4 for the first-ever EU-Central Asia Summit, aimed at deepening ties. Talks will focus on trade, investment, green energy, and security — marking a new era of cooperation.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment