U.S. Approves $147.5 Million Artillery Ammunition Sale to Israel
In an unprecedented move, the United States government has granted an emergency authorization for a substantial artillery ammunition sale to Israel.
Charlie Kennedy
- 2023-12-30
- Updated 03:16 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - The emergency approval facilitates a significant sale of $147.5 million worth of artillery ammunition to Israel, an operation proceeding without Congressional review. This action extends an earlier emergency sale from December 9, which included approximately 14,000 120mm tank shells aimed at supporting Israel's defense capabilities amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Responding to a request from Israel, the addition of fuzes, propellant powder, and 155mm artillery shells accounted for the increased total from the initial $96.51 million to the current $147.5 million, hence requiring a fresh notification to be issued.
Immediate Sale to Address "Urgent Situation"
The swift approval emerged from what U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described as an "urgent situation." He indicated that the imperative circumstances warranted the bypassing of typical congressional oversight to expedite the provision of military support to the Israeli government. The munitions for Israel, drawn from the U.S. military's stockpiles, are intended to enhance Israel's defense apparatus in the face of regional threats.
Regional Security and Humanitarian Compliance
The acquisition of these advanced munitions is poised to bolster Israel's deterrence capabilities while ensuring it is better prepared to counteract regional adversities. It is emphasized that all nations, in the procurement and use of military ammunition, are bound to adhere to the stipulations of international humanitarian law to prevent violations during armed confrontations.
The transaction underscores the urgency perceived by the U.S. government in supporting an allied nation's defense protocols, illustrating the complexity of balancing strategic military support with the maintenance of legal and humanitarian standards on the international stage.
