US quietly restarts £6bn arms deal with Israel amid tensions
The United States has resumed arms sales to Israel, previously halted by former U.S. President Joe Biden. The deal is valued at £6 billion.
The United States decided to resume arms sales to Israel, which had been previously suspended by Joe Biden's administration.
The U.S. State Department announced that the sale includes bombs, guidance kits, and fuses valued at £5.5 billion and Hellfire missiles for £532 million.
Israel is to use the weapons for "defence"
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) emphasizes that the arms delivery aims to enhance Israel's capability to defend against regional threats.
Israel, in turn, announced that it will use the weapons to defend Israel's borders, key infrastructure, and population centres.
Crisis in the Gaza Strip
In October 2023, Israel launched an offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to an attack by the Palestinian militant group. As a result of Hamas's actions, approximately 1,200 people died, and 251 were abducted. Israeli attacks caused over 47,000 deaths among Gaza Strip residents.
The conflict led to the destruction of infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, and the majority of the 2.1 million residents became internally displaced. Israel blocked humanitarian supplies for a long time, which deepened the crisis.
Since last month, a ceasefire has been in place, temporarily halting the conflict and allowing for the release of hostages captured by Hamas. Transactions related to arms deliveries to Israel still require Congressional approval, but they are not expected to be blocked.
