In a significant move by the Joe Biden administration, the first shipment of advanced weaponry from the United States has arrived in Israel, marking a new stage in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
What Happened: As per a Tuesday report by The Hill, the first U.S. plane with ammunition landed at the Nebatim Air Base in Israel. The arrival of the shipment was confirmed by the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Force (IDF), Daniel Hagari, through a post on X, previously called Twitter.
The advanced weapons, according to Hagari, will enable significant strikes and prepare the IDF for additional scenarios. He thanked America for its support, and underscored the significance of cooperation between the two armies in maintaining regional security and stability.
“We stand with Israel,” President Biden asserted, vowing to ensure that Israel has the necessary resources to defend itself and its citizens. The Biden administration also revealed the arrival of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, seen as a deterrent against potential escalators of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Additionally, the U.S. has sent Air Force F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s to reinforce existing combat aircraft squadrons in the region.
The conflict has, as of Tuesday, taken the lives of over 1,000 Israelis and Palestinians, including 14 U.S. citizens. The White House has confirmed that American citizens are among those taken hostage by Hamas.
Why It Matters: This move by the US is the latest development in a contentious period marked by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. President Biden had previously condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel as “pure, unadulterated evil” and voiced concern over the loss of lives, including American citizens.
However, criticism of Biden of Biden’s response to the crisis has also surfaced, with ex-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) urging the President to take more decisive action. The administration’s support of Israel was further muddled by fake news claiming an $8 billion emergency aid package to Israel.
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Photo by Trevor Bexon on Shutterstock
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