The United States has approved another $20 billion in weapons transfers to Israel, as the country faces anticipated retaliatory strikes from Iran and Hezbollah. The arms sale includes fighter jets, tank munitions, and air-to-air missiles, highlighting the US commitment to Israel’s security and self-defense capability. This announcement comes amidst concerns over Israeli violations of international law in Gaza and the West Bank.
President Joe Biden has expressed a desire to prevent further escalation and has suggested that a ceasefire agreement could help avoid Iranian retaliation. However, critics have called on the Biden administration to halt weapons transfers, accusing the US of complicity in the destruction of Gaza. Reports of Israeli forces violating human rights have also not led to a cessation of weapons support, despite US laws requiring cut-offs for units accused of gross human rights violations.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield has emphasized the need to de-escalate tensions in the region through a ceasefire agreement and called for the immediate release of hostages in Gaza. The US remains committed to peace efforts, but questions remain about the impact of continued weapons transfers on the conflict in the Middle East.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
