Trump administration plans $8b in weapons sales to Israel, sources say
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Israeli tanks deployed near the border with Gaza, in southern Israel, on Sept 17.
PHOTO: EPA
Follow topic:
- US considers selling Israel US$6.4 billion in weapons, including Apache helicopters and troop carriers, amidst conflict in Gaza.
- Israel expanded Gaza operations, bombarding Hamas infrastructure, which displaced and traumatised Palestinian civilians.
- Proposed sale contrasts with growing Democratic wariness of Israel's actions, highlighted by a Senate resolution.
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WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is seeking congressional approval to sell Israel US$6.4 billion (S$8.2 billion) in support equipment and weapons including attack helicopters and troop carriers, people familiar with the matter said on Sept 19.
Israel’s military said it had expanded operations in Gaza City
The news of the proposed sale came days before world leaders were set to gather in New York for the annual United Nations General Assembly next week, which the UN Security Council is also due to hold a high-level meeting on Gaza.
The planned package includes a deal worth US$3.8 billion for 30 AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and US$1.9 billion for 3,250 infantry assault vehicles for the Israeli army.
Another US$750 million worth of support parts for armoured personnel carriers and power supplies are also working its way through the sale process, one of the people said.
The Republican president’s full-throated support for Israel’s military contrasts with growing wariness about Israel’s assault on Gaza among Democrats.
On Sept 18, a group of US senators introduced the first Senate resolution to urge recognition of a Palestinian state and more than half of Democrats in the Senate recently voted against further arms sales.
The Wall Street Journal reported the potential helicopter and vehicle sales on Sept 19.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REUTERS
