Israel’s exceptional status in US arms policy and law ensures that unending military aid is shielded from scrutiny over human rights abuses.
by Connor Echols, The New Arab
Close watchers of Israel’s war in Gaza have faced a question in recent months: If the US is rushing weapons to Israel, then why hasn’t the public heard of any arms sales besides two relatively small transfers late last year?
The Washington Post delivered an answer last week. Reporter John Hudson revealed that the Biden administration has approved over 100 smaller weapons packages for Israel since 7 October that fell under the $25 million threshold for formally notifying Congress – and thus the public – about the transfers.
In total, these mini-sales could add up to more than $1 billion worth of US military aid.
The decision to deliver US aid in smaller packages is far from unusual. The US government has done so in the past for practical and nefarious purposes alike; only about 2% of weapons transfers occur above the threshold to notify Congress, according to former officials.
But what is abnormal is the fact that many of those weapons were likely pre-positioned on Israeli territory before the war. Unlike other countries, Israel has a stockpile of American weapons on its soil to which it has privileged access.
Recent Posts
Michigan Wants Fossil Fuel Companies To Pay For Climate Change Damages
May 13, 2024
Take Action Now Harms include severe weather, crop failures and economic hits from lack of ice and snow. By Izzy Ross, Grist This coverage is…
This Is What You Get To Say On TV About Palestinians
May 13, 2024
Take Action Now “Let’s nuke Gaza” is just an interesting little talking point! By Jack Mirkinson, Discourse Blog Here is a…
As Gaza Assault Intensifies, Egypt Joins ICJ Case Accusing Israel Of Genocide
May 13, 2024
Take Action Now “It’s a real diplomatic punch,” a former Israeli diplomat said. “Israel would have to take it very…
Butterflies And Batons: The Dog Star Rises Over American Campuses
May 11, 2024
Take Action Now “Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?” We know the answer now. By RJ Eskow, The Zero Hour “The dog-star rages,” wrote the poet…