US government approves sale of guided weapons systems to Israel – Discussions begin in Congress, which is not expected to oppose the decision
The administration of US President Joe Biden has approved the possible sale of $ 735 million worth of surface-to-air weapons to Israel, and parliamentary sources say Congress is not expected to oppose the deal, despite clashes between Israel and the Palestinians .
Three US lawmakers said Congress had been formally informed of the intention to sell the weapons on May 5, as is customary before final approval of such agreements.
The sale was first revealed by the Washington Post .
Congress has been aware of the planned sale since April and was officially notified on May 5. Under US law, a 15-day period begins after the official announcement, during which Congress has the right to oppose the sale, which is not expected to happen in this case.
The sale of Boeing Co JDAM bombs was considered routine at the time, before the worst clashes in recent years in the Middle East began last week. Democrats and Republicans in the House Foreign Affairs Committee , which is considering such agreements, have not objected.
A State Department spokesman, who was asked to comment, said federal law did not allow him to comment or confirm details of agreements such as the one on JDAM systems. “We remain deeply concerned about the violence and are working to achieve lasting peace,” he added.
