The Biden administration has notified Congress that it intends to transfer $1 billion in arms to Israel, two congressional officials confirmed to CBS News on Tuesday.
Congress must approve the move. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news.
The move comes days after President Biden announced that the United States would suspend certain military shipments to Israel. said in an interview CNN reported that the US would further reduce arms shipments if Israel expanded its ground offensive to the civilian population center of Rafah city in southern Gaza.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday, referring to the recently signed funding package that includes about $14 billion for Israel's defense, “We continue to send military aid, and we are committed to providing additional military aid. “We will ensure that Israel receives the amount that it received.”
Congressional aides told The Associated Press that the plan includes about $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million for tactical vehicles and $60 million for mortar shells. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss arms transfers that have not yet been made public.
Last month, in Congress Passed a $95 billion foreign aid bill It provides military aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
The House is scheduled to vote this week on a bill that would require the State Department and the Department of Defense to “expedited delivery” of military equipment. The White House has vowed to veto the bill, but it is unlikely to pass the Senate.
— Arden Farhi contributed to this report.
