Without Congressional Approval, Biden Signs Arms Sales To Israel

US President Joe Biden (photo: between)

JAKARTA - United States President Joe Biden again approved the sale of emergency weapons to Israel without a review of the US Congress for the second time this month. This is in the midst of an ongoing war in the trapped Gaza Strip.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has notified Congress of this emergency, requiring him to approve the immediate sale of M107 155 mm artillery shells and related equipment worth US$147.5 million (Rp2.27 trillion).

The equipment includes a screen, primer, and a charging device. Primary is an ammunition component that functions as a moisturizer containing a mixture of explosives.

"The United States is committed to Israel's security, and it is very important for the US national interest to help Israel develop and maintain strong self-defense capabilities. These proposed sales are consistent with these goals," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency quoted Antara as saying.

Artillery shells to be delivered to Israel will be drawn from supplies of artillery shells owned by the United States.

Israel's ongoing war in Gaza comes after a cross-border attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7.

Hamas attacks in Israel killed about 1,200 people, while hundreds more were arrested and used as hostages in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed more than 21,500 Palestinians and injured nearly 56,000 others, according to local health authorities.