US President Joe Biden has used emergency to authorize the sale of about 14,000 tank shells to Israel without Congressional review. This was reported by Reuters with reference to the Pentagon, reports UNN.
Details
It is noted that the State Department used the Arms Export Control Act Arms Export Control Act, declaring an emergency to immediately transfer to immediately transfer 106.5 million dollars worth of tank shells to Israel.
The shells are part of a larger package that the Biden administration is asking the US Congress to approve. The larger package is worth more than $500 million dollars and includes 45,000 rounds for Israeli Merkava tanks, which regularly used during the offensive in Gaza.
As the war escalates, the question of how and where exactly U.S. weapons are being used in the conflict has come under greater scrutiny, although U.S. officials say they have no plans to impose conditions on military aid to Israel or consider at least partially withdrawing it. or even partially withdraw it.
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Human rights activists have expressed concern over the package, saying that it is inconsistent with Washington's efforts to pressure Israel, to minimize civilian casualties.
A State Department spokesman said on Saturday that "Washington is making clear to the government of Israel that it must comply with international humanitarian law and take all possible steps to avoid harm to the civilian population.
This transfer of ammunition demonstrates the U.S. commitment to Israel's security and will strengthen to Israel's security and will strengthen Israel's defense capabilities, the official said.
According to a Pentagon statement, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has determined and provided Congress with a detailed justification that tank shells should be immediately provided to Israel in the interests of U.S. national security.