A Massive Weapons Package for Netanyahu's U.S. Visit
Unwavering Support Despite Criticism Over American Arms
U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a massive weapons aid package worth approximately 1.5 trillion won ahead of his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Despite growing calls both inside and outside the U.S. to halt the sale of American-made weapons to Israel, this move is interpreted as a sign of support for Israel, a long-standing ally.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others on the 3rd (local time), the Trump administration has requested congressional approval for the transfer of $1 billion (about 1.46 trillion won) worth of weapons to Israel. This weapons sales package includes approximately $700 million worth of 1,000-pound bombs?4,700 units?and $300 million worth of armored bulldozers. The U.S. government requires congressional approval to sell weapons overseas above a certain monetary threshold.
This weapons transfer coincided with Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. to meet President Trump. On the 4th, Netanyahu is scheduled to discuss the Gaza Strip and Lebanon ceasefires, as well as the overall tension in the Middle East, with President Trump.
Last week, President Trump also lifted the export ban on 2,000-pound bombs that the Biden administration had previously ordered. This is interpreted as a signal that the Trump administration will not withhold future weapons shipments to Israel. Regarding this decision, President Trump stated, "Israel has paid the price and has waited a long time." Despite domestic and international criticism urging a halt to arms sales due to Israel’s use of American-made weapons against civilians, this move reveals the U.S.’s intention to stand by Israel. President Trump has showcased a bromance with Netanyahu since his first term in office.
Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israeli officials are expected to pressure President Trump to proceed with a separate weapons transfer requested by the Biden administration. This package totals $8 billion and includes new bombs, missiles, and shells. Earlier, the Biden administration had informally notified Congress in January?before leaving office?of an $8 billion weapons sale to Israel. Some Democratic lawmakers delayed the decision, preventing full approval. The Trump administration is already pressuring Congress to lift the sales ban.
A Democratic spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Committee said, "We continue to consult with the administration on various questions and concerns regarding the arms deal," without providing specific details.
Israel welcomes President Trump’s return. During his first term, Trump supported Israel even at the expense of violating international law. In 2018, he moved the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. In 2019, he signed a proclamation declaring the Syrian Golan Heights, illegally occupied by Israel, as Israeli territory.
Recently, in a video message released from his office, Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Trump. He said, "President Trump, thank you for keeping your promise to provide Israel with the tools necessary to defend itself, confront our common enemies, and secure a future of peace and prosperity."
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