Biden administration plans $1bn arms shipment to Israel
The White House recently told Congress of its plans to send more than $1bn in weapons to Israel, despite growing pressure and international concern over Israel’s Rafah offensive.
The southern Gaza city of Rafah had more than 1 million civilians sheltering after being displaced from their homes. Many have been ordered to evacuate Rafah – with nowhere to go, and no aid, Gaza stands on the brink of a manmade famine.
The US and its allies had repeatedly warned Israel about an offensive in Rafah – one Israel has ignored. US President Joe Biden said last week that he had delayed the shipment of 2,000lb (900kg) bombs to Israel because of how they might be used in Rafah.
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The package would include tank rounds, mortars and armoured tactical vehicles, according to Reuters news agency.
The plan still needs to be approved by lawmakers.
The package being sent to Congress is the first since Biden’s administration paused arms transfers to Israel last week. It would include $700m in tank ammunition, $500m in tactical vehicles and $60m in mortar rounds, according to the Associated Press news agency.
Benjamin Netanyahu ignores Biden’s warning
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said ‘we will stand alone if we have to’ after US President Joe Biden warned to stop arms shipments to Israel if they invade Rafah.
@thenationalnews Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says ‘we will stand alone if we have to’ after US President Joe Biden warned to stop arms shipments to Israel if they invade Rafah. #Netanyahu news trendingnews ship