The U.S. government has bypassed Congress to urgently approve military sales to Israel

Mondo Military Updated on 2024-01-28

According to the Associated Press on December 10, the United States has approved emergency arms sales to Israel in a rare move to bypass Congress. Biden announced on the 9th that in support of Israel's intensified military operations in the southern Gaza Strip, the United States agreed to urgently provide Israel with a value of more than 10.6 billion of nearly $140,000 rounds of tank ammunition.

It is reported that US Secretary of State Blinken made it clear that for the sake of safeguarding the interests of the United States, there is an emergency and this batch of ammunition needs to be immediately ***. Subsequently, on the evening of the 8th, the United States informed Congress of the emergency matter.

The U.S. decision to bypass Congressional censorship of foreign arms sales is a relative rarity in U.S. politics. Typically, emergency authorization is used to circumvent Congress when the U.S. **deems delivery urgently needed** without waiting for approval from legislators, but this is not common.

In addition, Biden's previous request for nearly $106 billion in aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, and other issues was shelved in Congress earlier this week. CNN reported that while approving the emergency arms sales to Israel, the United States is facing increasing pressure at home and abroad to support a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and set certain conditions for some of the munitions to be supplied to Israel.

The decision to make this emergency arms sale is likely to trigger a series of reactions and discussions in the international community. On the one hand, the U.S. move could be seen as a staunch support for Israel, thereby enhancing Israel's military capabilities in regional conflicts. On the other hand, it may also raise concerns and concerns for other countries in the region, especially those that are in conflict or conflict with Israel.

The decision could also be controversial in the United States. Some members of Congress and the public may express displeasure with the bypassing of Congress, arguing that it violates democratic procedures and the powers of the legislature. Moreover, given the United States' call for peace and conflict resolution in the international arena, this decision may also be seen as inconsistent with its foreign policy.

In the long run, this emergency arms sale could have an impact on the role and status of the United States in the Middle East. Some countries may be skeptical of the U.S. approach, believing that the U.S. is biased in its handling of Middle East affairs in favor of Israel, which could affect U.S. credibility and influence in the region. At the same time, such a decision could also exacerbate regional tensions and increase the risk of an arms race.

For Israel, this emergency arms sale is undoubtedly a form of support and encouragement. However, it could also make Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip more aggressive, thereby exacerbating the conflict with the Palestinians and increasing the risk of civilians** and regional instability.

To sum up, the United States' bypassing Congress to approve emergency arms sales to Israel has not only caused controversy at home, but has also attracted widespread attention internationally. Such a decision could have far-reaching implications for the security situation in the Middle East, the international image of the United States, and its role in the region.

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