Two congressional aides confirmed that the Biden administration has reportedly given its approval for the potential sale of over $1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel. 

US Announces Weapons Sale to Israel

The announcement of the sale, which would involve the acquisition of new tactical vehicles and ammunition, coincides with President Joe Biden's decision to halt the delivery of bombs to Israel. 

This move is aimed at avoiding the use of US-manufactured weapons in a possible invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

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US Weapons Package to Israe

A Congressional aide said Congress had prior knowledge of the arms deal for several months. They also hinted that the administration may have deliberately delayed the required congressional notification process until a foreign aid package with increased assistance for Israel was approved, New York Times reported.

According to Politico, the proposed package includes approximately $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million for tactical vehicles, and $60 million for mortar rounds.

The State Department's informal notification of the arms transfer initiates a multistep process for foreign affairs lawmakers to privately review the terms of the weapons transfer and engage in discussions with the department. The package will be considered by Congress as a whole.

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