The administration of United States President Joe Biden has once again bypassed Congress to approve an emergency weapons sale to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Congress of a second emergency determination, covering a $147.5 million sale of equipment to Israel. The emergency determination allows the immediate approval of the transfer without undergoing a potentially lengthy congressional review for foreign military sales. The sale includes ancillary items necessary for Israel to make 155mm shells. Despite recent calls for de-escalation, this move raises concerns about the continuation of high-intensity conflict in the region.
“Given the urgency of Israel’s defensive needs, the secretary notified Congress that he had exercised his delegated authority to determine an emergency existed necessitating the immediate approval of the transfer,” it said.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to ensure Israel is able to defend itself against the threats it faces.”