Biden’s More Fire Arsenal To Israel Before Leaving Office Putting A Final Stamp On His Legacy Even As Israel Escalates Attacks On Gaza

In a move that shows President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Israel, the US Department of State has notified Congress of an $8 billion (£6.4 billion) arms sale to the country.

The notification, sent to the foreign affairs committees of the House and Senate on Friday, was confirmed by US media reports on Saturday. This development comes just weeks before Biden’s term concludes, solidifying his administration’s iron-clad commitment to Israel despite international outcry over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The planned shipment includes a comprehensive arsenal of weaponry, 500-pound (226kg) warheads, Precision-guided munitions, Artillery shells, Missiles for jets and attack helicopters, Bomb fuses, Air-to-air missiles for intercepting projectiles.

While some of these munitions will be sourced from existing US stockpiles, the majority will require new production and are expected to be delivered over an extended period.

This deal follows a series of arms packages approved by the Biden administration in recent months, including a $20 billion package in August comprising jets, military vehicles, bombs, and missiles, and a $680 million package in November featuring small-diameter bombs and precision-guidance kits.

Biden’s Controversial Legacy

The timing of the arms deal—amid an intensifying Israeli military campaign in Gaza—has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates and international observers. Calls for the US to suspend military support due to the high civilian death toll in Gaza have been unequivocally rejected by Washington.

In fact, Biden has consistently defended Israel’s actions under the banner of “self-defense,” framing US support as vital to deterring aggression from Iran and its proxy groups.

“The president has made clear Israel has a right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law,” a White House statement read. “We will continue to provide the capabilities necessary for Israel’s defense.”

 

Historical Context and Backlash

Biden’s administration briefly paused a shipment of 2,000-pound (907kg) bombs last year after their use caused widespread destruction in Gaza. This decision provoked fierce backlash from Republicans and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who likened it to an “arms embargo.” Biden’s subsequent decision to partially lift the suspension and avoid repeating such pauses further cemented his alignment with Israel.

Between 2019 and 2023, the United States accounted for 69% of Israel’s major conventional arms imports, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). This statistic illustrates the US’s role as Israel’s primary military supplier, aiding in the development of one of the world’s most technologically advanced militaries as well as supporting weapons industry back home.

The Political Calculations

As Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, 2025, this arms deal represents a final effort to reinforce his administration’s staunch support for Israel.

The outgoing president’s actions stand in sharp contrast to the rhetoric of his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, who has advocated for ending foreign conflicts and reducing US military involvement abroad. However, Trump remains a vocal supporter of Israel, urging the nation to conclude its Gaza operations swiftly.

Implications and Global Reactions

The $8 billion arms deal raises critical questions about the ethical and strategic dimensions of US foreign policy. Critics argue that continued military support emboldens Israel’s actions in Gaza, further worsening the humanitarian crisis and undermining international efforts to broker peace. Proponents, however, maintain that the deal is essential to ensuring Israel’s security in a volatile region.

On the other hand, the international community’s response has been mixed, with some nations condemning the US’s unwavering support for Israel and others acknowledging its strategic alliance. As Biden exits the stage, his administration’s legacy on this issue will likely remain a contentious chapter in the history of US-Israel relations.

Israel Boldens Attacks On Gaza

Even as new shipment is awaited, Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza, resulting in over 100 fatalities in recent days, according to Palestinian health authorities.

On Friday, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of staff and patients from two hospitals in northern Gaza under threat of attack. This follows an earlier incident where Israeli forces stormed the Kamal Adwan Hospital and detained its director.

Tragedy struck the Shujayea neighborhood in northern Gaza on Saturday, where at least 11 members of the same family lost their lives. Most of them were women and children, they were all civilians. There is no one there who shot missiles or is from the resistance, said one source.
Since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, the death toll has reached at least 45,717, with 108,856 others wounded, as reported by Palestinian health authorities.

The escalation in attacks coincides with representatives from the Israeli government and Hamas traveling to Qatar for discussions on a potential ceasefire and a captive-prisoner exchange agreement.

The Last Bit

President Joe Biden’s $8 billion arms deal to Israel is a defining act of his presidency, reflecting his steadfast commitment to a key ally. Yet, it also amplifies the debate over the US’s role in global conflicts and its responsibilities in upholding humanitarian principles.

As the Gaza conflict continues to escalate, the ramifications of this decision will undoubtedly shape the discourse on US foreign policy even as Israel continues to pound Gaza.