Biden administration plans to transfer $1 billion in weapons to Israel

The Biden administration has recently informed Congress about its plan to transfer $1 billion in weapons to Israel, as confirmed by a congressional aide to CBS News on Tuesday. The Wall Street Journal was the first to report this development.

For the transfer to be authorized, Congress will need to approve it. This decision comes shortly after the U.S. had withheld shipments of specific munitions to Israel. President Biden also stated in an interview with CNN that the U.S. would further restrict weapons shipments if Israel expanded its ground offensive to include civilian population centers in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza.

National Security Assurance

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the government's commitment, stating, "We are continuing to send military assistance, and we will ensure that Israel receives the full amount provided in the supplemental." He made this statement on Monday, referring to a recently signed funding package that includes about $14 billion for Israel's defense.

Last month, Congress passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill, which includes military aid for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. Additionally, the House is expected to vote this week on a measure that would mandate the "prompt delivery" of military equipment by the State Department and the Defense Department. Despite the White House's pledge to veto the legislation, it is uncertain whether the bill will pass in the Senate.