Tension in the Middle East: Israel Hopes for More Ammunition from the US

Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and increasing tensions in the Middle East, Israel is seeking to purchase more tank ammunition and tactical vehicles from the United States to replenish its stockpile, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Three sources told Bloomberg that this request has just been submitted and the U.S. government has not yet begun the formal evaluation process.

On Friday, The Wall Street Journal cited U.S. officials as saying that the Biden administration is considering providing Israel with over $1 billion worth of weapons, including tank ammunition, military vehicles, and mortar rounds.

The U.S. State Department and National Security Council declined to comment on the matter.

Such requests could once again put the Biden administration in a difficult position. President Biden previously stated that the U.S.’s defense support for Israel amidst Hamas attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 240 hostage situations, is “ironclad”.

However, Biden has also faced criticism for not tempering Israel’s counterattacks in Gaza, which have led to over 30,000 deaths.

On April 13, with assistance from the U.S., the U.K., and other countries, Israel’s anti-aircraft system repelled over 300 drones and missiles launched by Iran, making Israel’s need even more urgent. This has also raised concerns about a wider conflict.

According to U.S. officials, on Thursday night, Israel launched a limited drone operation in retaliation.

In addition to Israel’s request, the U.S. House of Representatives may pass a $950 billion fund allocation for military aid to Israel and Ukraine this weekend.

One source stated that the U.S. has not begun reviewing this arms sale, and the process is expected to take several months, with no guarantee of approval.

Another official mentioned that tank ammunition would make up a large portion of this sale, followed by Oshkosh Corporation’s medium tactical vehicle series.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland is pressuring Biden to suspend offensive military aid, including bombs, until Israel allows unhindered humanitarian aid, in line with the Foreign Assistance Act which prohibits aid to countries that directly or indirectly restrict U.S. humanitarian assistance unless the President deems it in the national interest.

Previously, Israel also submitted another military procurement request, seeking to purchase over 1,000 units of 500-pound MK-82 unguided gravity bombs, as well as over 1,000 units of 250-pound Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), along with fuses for other ammunition. This arms sale still requires approval from the U.S. Congress. If approved and contracts are signed, delivery of these munitions is not expected until 2025.