Hamas-Israel War: U.S Government Approves New Bombs, Fighter Jets for Israel

The administration of President Joe Biden has approved the provision of extensive military support to Israel, including a vast array of bombs and fighter jets.

According to inside sources speaking to The Washington Post, the latest military aid package bestowed upon Israel includes a staggering count of over 1,800 MK84 bombs, each weighing 2,000 pounds, alongside 500 MK82 bombs, each weighing 500 pounds. These munitions have previously been implicated in significant loss of life during past Israeli military operations in Gaza.

This bolstering of Israel’s military arsenal by the Biden administration signals a steadfast commitment to Israel’s defense capabilities, despite emerging tensions between the two nations concerning the conduct of the ongoing war. A White House official emphasized the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defense, dismissing the idea of conditioning aid on policy changes.

The decision has not gone without criticism within the U.S., especially among some Democrats who argue for the necessity of withholding weapons unless Israel commits to minimizing civilian casualties and lifting restrictions on humanitarian aid, especially in the context of an anticipated offensive in Rafah. Rafah remains a critical area, home to four Hamas battalions and over 1.2 million Palestinians displaced by the conflict, nearing a humanitarian crisis.

Despite President Biden’s caution against a severe invasion of Rafah—which he regards as a “red line”—and his efforts to engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on limiting the conflict’s human cost, tensions remain. Netanyahu’s recent cancellation of a planned visit to Washington, in response to the U.S.’s stance on a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, underscores the complex dynamics at play. However, both nations are seemingly working towards rescheduling this crucial dialogue.