US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller faced questions regarding the recent approval of a significant arms transfer to Israel amidst escalating tensions in Gaza and opposition to potential military actions.
Miller emphasised that many of these weapons requests have been previously approved by Congress and reaffirmed the long-standing commitment of USD 3 billion annually to Israel’s security.
He underscored the threats posed by Hezbollah, saying, “We’re going to continue to support Israel’s ability to defend itself against those sworn enemies.”
Additionally, Miller noted that Israel’s utilisation of the approved weaponry is based on its security needs and highlights the necessity to replenish defence materials for its long-term security.
“Israel is in an armed conflict and is expending a great deal of defence material and some of that needs to be replenished for Israel’s long-term security,” Miller said, highlighting the obligation of aid recipients to adhere to international humanitarian law when using US-provided weapons, The Times of Israel reported.
Amid escalating tensions and concerns over potential military actions in southern Gaza, the Biden administration on March 31 sanctioned the transfer of billions of dollars of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, The Washington Post reported.
Despite apprehensions about the impact on Palestinian civilians, Washington has proceeded with the arms packages, signalling its unwavering support for Israel’s defence strategies, the report added.
The recent authorizations include a substantial arsenal of munitions, comprising over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, as confirmed by Pentagon and State Department officials familiar with the matter. The decision to greenlight such significant weaponry raises eyebrows, particularly given the lethal history of the 2,000-pound bombs in previous Israeli military campaigns in Gaza, which have resulted in mass casualties, as reported by The Washington Post.
While the Biden administration has expressed concerns about the potential ramifications of an Israeli offensive in southern Gaza, it has refrained from conditioning aid or imposing restrictions on arms transfers. A White House official reiterated the administration’s stance, affirming its continued support for Israel’s right to self-defence and emphasising that conditioning aid has not been part of its policy.
However, some Democratic voices, including allies of President Biden, argue for a more nuanced approach, insisting on Israeli commitments to minimise civilian casualties and facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland urged the administration to leverage its influence effectively, demanding assurances from Israel before approving further arms transfers to Gaza.
The impasse highlights the delicate balance in US-Israel relations, with disagreements emerging over the conduct of the conflict. While the Biden administration seeks to engage with Israeli authorities to mitigate the bloodshed, tensions have flared over the refusal to veto a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire, which Israel perceives as undermining its position.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s recent visit to Washington underscored Israel’s urgent requests for expedited weaponry, with Gen Charles Q Brown Jr, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledging Israel’s persistent demands for critical military supplies. However, the US has exercised discretion in fulfilling these requests, citing capacity limits and strategic considerations.
The decision to proceed with arms transfers has drawn criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about the moral implications and potential complicity in Israel’s military actions. Critics argue that the indiscriminate use of powerful munitions, such as the MK84 bombs, poses significant risks to civilian populations…
This article was originally published by a theprint.in . Read the Original article here. .