US Considers Additional Weapon Support Worth 1.4 Trillion Won to Israel

The United States is reportedly considering providing Israel with additional weapons worth more than $1 billion (approximately 1.4 trillion KRW).

Building in Gaza Strip Destroyed by Airstrike

On the 19th (local time), the American daily The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) cited multiple U.S. officials, reporting that the Biden administration is reviewing a plan to supply Israel with $700 million worth of 120mm tank shells, $500 million worth of tactical vehicles, and less than $100 million worth of 120mm mortar shells.

Such sales require approval from the U.S. congressional leadership and could take anywhere from several months to years.

This plan is an additional support measure discussed separately from the Israel aid budget currently pending in the U.S. Congress.

The U.S. House of Representatives plans to introduce and attempt to pass a $26 billion Israel aid package on the 20th, alongside aid packages for Ukraine and Taiwan.

The report of this additional support came amid rising tensions in the Middle East, as the Gaza war has surpassed six months and Israel and Iran have exchanged attacks on each other's mainland this month.

Following Iran’s warning of retaliation after its consulate in Syria was bombed on the 1st, and its heavy bombardment of Israeli mainland on the 13th, drone strikes on Iranian mainland continued on the 19th, just six days later, with both sides maintaining their counterattacks.

The United States has promised "ironclad" support to Israel but has drawn a line by stating it will not participate in attacks against Iran.

If the U.S. actually provides additional weapons to Israel as reported, WSJ forecasts that Israel, which has been at war in the Gaza Strip for over six months, will be able to replenish its depleted weapons stockpile.

However, the additional support plan is also expected to face significant difficulties during the congressional approval process.

WSJ noted, "Tank shells and mortar shells are weapons used in the Gaza Strip war, not weapons to defend against Iran’s long-range missile and drone attacks," and predicted "greater opposition in Congress."

The U.S. government and the White House have not made any comments regarding this matter. The Israeli Ministry of Defense also declined to comment.

Since the Gaza war began on October 7 last year with a raid by the Palestinian armed group Hamas, the U.S. is known to have provided tens of thousands of shells, precision weapons, and air defense equipment so far.