Current:Home > StocksThe State Department approves the sale of tank ammunition to Israel in a deal that bypasses Congress -MacroWatch
The State Department approves the sale of tank ammunition to Israel in a deal that bypasses Congress
View
Date:2025-04-12 13:59:17
WASHINGTON (AP) — Going around Congress, the Biden administration said Saturday it has approved the emergency sale to Israel of nearly 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth more than $106 million as Israel intensifies its military operations in the southern Gaza Strip.
The move comes as President Joe Biden’s request for a nearly $106 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and other national security is languishing in Congress, caught up in a debate over U.S. immigration policy and border security. Some Democratic lawmakers have spoken of making the proposed $14.3 billion in American assistance to its Mideast ally contingent on concrete steps by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to reduce civilian casualties in Gaza during the war with Hamas.
The State Department said it had notified Congress of the sale late Friday after Secretary of State Antony Blinken determined “an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale” of the munitions in the U.S. national security interest.
That means the purchase will bypass the congressional review requirement for foreign military sales. Such determinations are rare, but not unprecedented, when administrations see an urgent need for weapons to be delivered without waiting for lawmakers’ approval.
What to know today:
- Israeli warplanes struck parts of the Gaza Strip in relentless bombardment Saturday, hitting some of the dwindling bits of land that Israel had described as safe zones when telling Palestinians in the south to evacuate.
- The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution Friday backed by almost all other Security Council members demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.
- Deeper read: After seven weeks held hostage in the tunnels of Gaza, they are finally free to laugh and chat and play. But some of the children who have come back from captivity are still reluctant to raise their voices above a whisper.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” the department said in a statement. “Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.”
The sale is worth $106.5 million and includes 13,981 120 mm High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer tank cartridges as well as U.S. support, engineering and logistics. The materiel will come from Army inventory.
Bypassing Congress with emergency determinations for arms sales is an unusual step that has in the past met resistance from lawmakers, who normally have a period of time to weigh on proposed weapons transfers and, in some cases, block them.
In May, 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an emergency determination for an $8.1 billion sales of weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan after it became clear that the Trump administration would have trouble overcoming lawmakers’ concerns about the Saudi- UAE-led war in Yemen.
Pompeo came under heavy criticism for the move, which some believed may have violated the law because many of the weapons involved had yet to be built and could not be delivered urgently. But he was cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal investigation.
At least four administrations have used the authority since 1979. President George H.W. Bush’s administration used it during the Gulf War to get arms quickly to Saudi Arabia.
veryGood! (5)
Related
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Shawn Mendes Announces Return to Stage After Canceling Tour to Prioritize Mental Health
- Republican Matt Dolan has landed former US Sen. Rob Portman’s endorsement in Ohio’s Senate primary
- Annette Bening recalls attending 2000 Oscars while pregnant with daughter Ella Beatty
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Aldi plans to open 800 new stores around the U.S.
- 'Wicked Tuna' star Charlie Griffin found dead with dog in North Carolina's Outer Banks
- Miley Cyrus, Tish and Noah family feud rumors swirl: How to cope with family drama
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Beyoncé graces cover of Apple Music's new playlist in honor of International Women's Day
Ranking
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- In rights landmark, Greek novelist and lawyer are the first same-sex couple wed at Athens city hall
- As Inslee’s final legislative session ends, more work remains to cement climate legacy
- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Love Story Continues in Singapore for Eras Tour
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
- The Best Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Products Every Woman Should Own for an Empowering Glam Look
- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's Love Story Continues in Singapore for Eras Tour
- ‘Insure Our Future:’ A Global Movement Says the Insurance Industry Could Be the Key to Ending Fossil Fuels
Recommendation
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
Kentucky bill to expand coverage for stuttering services advances with assist from ex-NBA player
Bathroom bills are back — broader and stricter — in several states
Stephen Colbert skewers 'thirsty' George Santos for attending Biden's State of the Union
Average rate on 30
These Empowering Movies About Sisterhood Show How Girls Truly Run the World
Sex abuse survivors dispute Southern Baptist leadership and say federal investigation is ongoing
A new Uvalde report defends local police. Here are the findings that outraged some families in Texas