U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently bypassed congressional scrutiny and approved a $1 award to Israel$47.5 billion M107 155-mm artillery shells and related equipment. This is the second time this month that the U.S. has bypassed Congress to approve an emergency to Israel*** Previously, Blinken made a similar decision on December 9 to approve about 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition to Israel, worth more than $10.6 billion US dollars. These arms sales have sparked controversy and criticism at home and abroad, with some arguing that the United States is supporting Israel's killing of more Palestinian civilians, and others arguing that the United States is serving its own interests.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Blinken has circumvented congressional review requirements and requires immediate approval based on the Emergency Declaration under the Export Control Act, which requires immediate reporting to Israel. "The United States is committed to Israel's security and ensuring that Israel can defend itself against the threats it faces, which is critical to the national interest of the United States," the statement said. ”
This move by the United States means that this arms sale to Israel will bypass Congress's review of foreign arms sales. When the U.S. deems delivery urgently needed without waiting for lawmakers' approval, it will bypass Congress and use emergency authorization, but this is a rare move. A U.S. explained that the proposed arms sale demonstrates the U.S. commitment to Israel's security and will strengthen Israel's defense capabilities. However, the United States will also continue to make it clear to Israel that Israel must abide by international humanitarian law and take all feasible measures to avoid harming civilians, the same said.
This decision of the United States has sparked controversy and criticism at home and abroad. Some members of the US Congress expressed dissatisfaction with this, arguing that the United States ** did not fully consult Congress and did not fully consider the possible consequences of these **. They pointed out that Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in May this year used the United States' supply, causing the death and injury of hundreds of Palestinian civilians, as well as extensive infrastructure damage. They demanded that the United States **set some conditions on what is offered to Israel** to ensure that they are not used to violate human rights or violate international law.
Some international organizations and human rights groups have also condemned US arms sales, holding that the United States is supporting Israel's killing of more Palestinian civilians, encouraging Israel's military aggression and violence, and violating its own values and principles. They called on the United States to stop providing humanitarian assistance to Israel in the Gaza Strip, promote the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, and maintain peace and stability in the Middle East.
On the other hand, there are also some people who defend US arms sales, believing that the United States is serving its own interests, dealing with the complex situation in the Middle East, and safeguarding the long-term strategic partnership between the United States and Israel. They believe that Israel is an important ally of the United States in the Middle East, facing threats from Iran, Allah in Lebanon, Hamas, and other aspects, and needs the support and help of the United States. They also believe that the United States is sending money to Israel in order to maintain Israel's military superiority, contain potential hostile forces in the Middle East, and safeguard US interests and influence in the region.
The United States' commitment to Israel has undoubtedly brought new variables and influences to peace and stability in the Middle East. It remains to be seen whether Israel, with the support of the United States, will be more assertive and aggressive, will be more disregarded for international law and the voice of the international community, and will be more disregarded for the legitimate rights and interests of the Palestinian people.