US Boosts Military Support: $3.5 Billion in Additional Aid for Israel

According to SAEDNEWS, The U.S. State Department has officially informed Congress about the Biden administration’s plan to approve billions of dollars in foreign military financing for Israel. This announcement follows the approval of a $14 billion supplemental funding bill earmarked for Israel by Congress back in April, as reported by CNN.

A portion of this financial aid is designated for Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, a military unit located in the occupied West Bank. This battalion has faced longstanding accusations of committing human rights violations against the Palestinian population in the region.

In a recent statement, the State Department clarified that it would not impose sanctions on the battalion, citing satisfaction with Israeli claims of efforts to address the reported abuses. This decision comes despite a finding made public by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in April, which determined that the battalion had committed serious human rights abuses against Palestinians. This finding triggered a review under U.S. legislation concerning military aid to foreign forces.

In response to concerns raised by Republican lawmakers regarding the allegations of abuse related to the Netzah Yehuda battalion, Blinken maintained that aid would continue to the unit. He emphasized the importance of allowing Israel time to rectify the identified issues.

The United States continues to be Israel's foremost ally and primary arms supplier, providing both military support and intelligence during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, the U.S. has blocked United Nations resolutions that called for a humanitarian ceasefire in the besieged territory.

Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza last October, the situation has escalated dramatically, resulting in the deaths of at least 39,699 individuals, including over 15,000 children, underscoring the urgent humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in the region.