US Sends 100 Times More Military Aid to Israel during Gaza War

United States – The Joe Biden administration have sent more than 100 military aid sales to Israel since the war in Gaza began last October. It was conveyed by several US media. 

The aid sent to Israel includes thousands of precision-guided munitions, small-diameter bombs, bunker-busting bombs, and other types of lethal aid. 

These arms sales and shipments provide a clearer picture of the behind-the-scenes military support Washington has provided to Israel since October. 

Only two approved military sales to Israel have been made public since the start of the war. One sale consisted of US$106 million (IDR1.6 trillion) worth of tank ammunition and the other US$147.5 million (IDR2.2 trillion) worth of components needed to make 155 mm artillery shells. 

"However, more than 100 other transactions were allowed to take place without public disclosure or without the knowledge of Congress because they fell below certain dollar amounts," US officials and lawmakers said. 

According to the Arms Trade Forum, the dollar amount thresholds required for the US government to notify Congress of arms sales to Israel are US$14 million for major defense equipment, US$50 million for defense goods or services, and US$200 million for design and construction services.

State Department spokesman Matt Miller said the administration has followed Congress' established procedures for providing sufficient information to members and regularly briefs members even though formal notification is not a legal requirement. 

"US officials have engaged Congress on arms transfers to Israel more than 200 times since October," Miller added.