Washington has approved and delivered a staggering number of over 100 foreign military sales to Israel since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7. These arms transfers, encompassing precision-guided munitions and various lethal aid, are raising concerns about the implications for civilian safety and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Despite urgent appeals from top U.S. officials and lawmakers to minimize civilian casualties, these weapons packages signal a massive transfer of firepower. As Jeremy Konyndyk, a former senior Biden administration official, put it, “the Israeli campaign would not be sustainable without this level of U.S. support.” The sales have been facilitated through a process lacking public debate, with many falling under a monetary threshold that does not necessitate individual notification to Congress.
The Israeli military’s campaign has so far resulted in the deaths of over 30,000 people, according to Gaza’s health authorities, prompting questions about the United States’ responsibilities. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-Tex.) expressed the sentiment shared by many Americans, questioning the rationale behind continuing arms shipments amid the devastation, “These people already fled from the north to the south, and now they’re all huddled in a small piece of Gaza, and you’re going to continue to bombard them?”
Critics within the U.S. argue for the application of “existing standards” to arms transfers, as articulated by Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), who has called for assurances that U.S. intelligence is not being used to harm civilians or infrastructure. These critiques come amid an Israeli offensive planned for Rafah, where over a million displaced Palestinians seek refuge, despite U.S. warnings against it.
On the diplomatic front, there has been a notable shift in attitudes. Hamas has proposed a significant change in strategy, with a top political official indicating the group’s readiness to lay down arms and pursue a political path if an independent Palestinian state is established. However, Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, remains resolute in its military objectives, casting a shadow over the prospect of peace.
Public opinion in the United States has seen a sharp turn, with disapproval for Israel’s military action in Gaza rising up to 55% since November. Political allegiances are shaping perceptions, with Republicans largely retaining a positive stance, whereas Democrats and Independents are increasingly disenchanted, underscoring a complex domestic dimension for President Biden, whose approval on handling the Middle East is at its nadir.
A survey indicates that 68% of Black Americans advocate for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, with faith leaders playing a pivotal role in shaping these views.
Relevant articles:
– U.S. floods arms into Israel despite mounting alarm over war’s conduct, The Washington Post
– Hamas official says group would lay down its arms if an independent Palestinian state is established, ABC News – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
– Majority in U.S. Now Disapprove of Israeli Action in Gaza, Gallup
– Most Black Americans Want a More Active U.S. Role in Ending the War in Gaza and Protecting Palestinian Lives, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace