More Military Funding and Weapons Approved for Israel

Written by Jillian Shaw | April 2, 2024

IDF soldiers in Zaytun, Feb 2024

The U.S. Biden administration approved a package of military support and funding to Israel last week, including bombs and fighter jets. Within the arms package, the bombs being sent include at least 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, according to anonymous Pentagon and State Department employees. The larger MK84 bombs are associated with previous mass-casualty bombings in Gaza such as the attack on Gaza’s Jabalya refugee camp on October 31st. U.N. officials have denounced these large-scale bombings and large civilian death tolls, stating that a “disproportionate attack that could amount to war crimes.” 

This decision has been berated within the U.S. and from the international community. Within Biden’s own party, democratic leaders have been quick to renounce this arms package and continue to call for less U.S. support and involvement. Democratic senator Chris Van Hollen pointed out the hypocrisy of the administration’s verbal criticisms towards Israel’s tactics while simultaneously sending military support, stating that “We need to back up what we say with what we do.” Additionally, independent senator Bernie Sanders expressed his disappointment on X, calling for “No more bombs to Israel.” 

Despite the backlash, President Joe Biden has continued to support Israel, both diplomatically and financially through the ongoing conflict. One White House official, when speaking to the Washington Post, restated this continued support and said that “conditioning aid has not been our policy.” Additionally, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and other powerful pro-Israel groups have endorsed Biden’s ongoing support and oppose any stipulations on sending military assistance. 

This weapons transfer comes after Israel’s announced operation in Rafah, where four Hamas battalions are stationed. This has raised concerns in the U.S., as Biden had recently requested Israeli security representatives to visit Washington and discuss how to minimize civilian casualties, but the visit was canceled following the U.S.’s abstention on a recent U.N. Security Council resolution. This also follows direct involvement from Israel, including a visit to Washington by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant last Tuesday. Gallant visited to stress Israel’s weaponry needs, affirm U.S.-Israeli relations, and keep Israel’s “qualitative military edge” against Hamas.