Biden labels Gaza crisis 'unacceptable' amid calls to review US aid to Israel
After the Israeli forces attacked the convoy of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) organization, voices in the American public debate emerged that suggested the USA should limit arms deliveries to Israel. Experts argue that Washington has only one option regarding Israel.
Let's recall, on Thursday, President Joe Biden, during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveyed "that the attack on humanitarian organization workers and the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza is unacceptable".
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"The method of conducting war in the Gaza Strip by the Israeli Defense Forces, using American weapons, has led to questions about the customary agreement of Americans on the unconditional provision of weapons to the Jewish state, especially from Democratic Party politicians," notes the "Washington Post."
The newspaper reminded us that since World War II, Israel not only received more American weapons than any other country but also received more types of aid, with approval almost always resulting from a bipartisan agreement in the USA.
"Israel has always been an exception," writes "The New York Times." The newspaper explains that the country is not subject to the USA's conditions on other arms buyers.
Israel gets access to the latest American military technology and was, for example, the first foreign contractor to use F-35 fighter jets in combat operations. This happened in 2018.
"Despite increasingly frequent disputes between the Netanyahu government and the Biden administration, military aid for Israel has not been limited," emphasizes "The Washington Post".
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In March alone, the US administration approved the transfer of 1,800 MK84 bombs, 500 MK82 bombs and 25 F-35A fighter jets; in December, it approved the sale of tank ammunition worth roughly £89 million, artillery ammunition, and artillery equipment for about £123 million.
In recent years, American arms deliveries to Israel have been regulated by 10-year agreements. The last one, signed in 2016, covers the years 2019-2028 and provides for delivering military aid amounting to roughly £32 billion. The United States also pays an additional £420 million annually for joint air defence.
In the meantime, as the "Washington Post" reminds us, the transfer of American weapons abroad is regulated by the Leahy Law introduced in 1997, which prohibits the sale of arms to governments that significantly violate human rights.
Source: PAP
