U.S. Sends 20,000 Assault Rifles to Israel After Previous Delay
The U.S. government has moved forward with the sale of 20,000 assault rifles to Israel after the Biden administration previously delayed the transfer due to concerns over their potential use by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
- The Trump administration approved the sale despite ongoing political tensions.
- The weapons are designated for the Israeli National Police, as violence intensifies in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Sale Details and Biden’s Initial Hold
According to documents obtained by Reuters and sources familiar with the matter, the $24 million arms deal was formally notified to Congress by the State Department on March 6.
- The transaction is relatively small compared to broader U.S. military aid to Israel, which totals in the billions.
- Biden’s hold on the sale stemmed from concerns the rifles could end up in the hands of settlers engaged in attacks on Palestinians.
U.S. Policy Shifts and Sanctions
While Biden’s administration had imposed sanctions on individuals and groups involved in West Bank violence, Trump took a contrasting approach by rescinding those sanctions on his first day in office.
- Trump’s reversal marked a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Israeli settlements.
- His administration has since pushed forward multiple arms deals with few restrictions.
Arms Control and Congressional Oversight
The March notification to Congress emphasized that the decision was made after evaluating political, military, economic, human rights, and arms control considerations.
- There was no official response from the State Department on whether Israel provided assurances about the rifles’ end use.
- Some Democratic lawmakers had initially blocked the sale, demanding clarity on the rifles’ intended use.
Deepening U.S.-Israel Relations
The sale underlines the close ties between Washington and Tel Aviv, especially under Trump’s leadership, who has maintained strong support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Despite Democratic objections, Congress ultimately cleared the sale.
- The Senate also rejected a separate effort to block $8.8 billion in arms sales, including bombs and other offensive weapons.
Ongoing Conflict and Rise in Settler Violence
Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken hostage, Israel’s military campaign has led to the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
- The violence has fueled fears of increased militarization in the West Bank.
- Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who oversees the police, has emphasized arming civilian security squads in the aftermath.
International and Legal Implications
The West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, remains a key flashpoint. Most of the international community views Israeli settlements as illegal, while Israel cites historical and biblical claims to justify its presence.
- The sale raises further concerns about human rights violations in occupied territories.
- It also reflects broader U.S. struggles to balance strategic alliances with international accountability.
