ALBAWABA - In a move that has stirred debate and scrutiny, the Biden administration has approved a second emergency sale of military equipment to Israel this December, bypassing the standard congressional approval process. The $150 million transaction, justified by citing Israel's "urgent defense needs," adds to the complexities of U.S. foreign policy.
This marks the second time in December that the Biden administration has opted for an expedited process, allowing emergency military support to Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken revealed that approximately $50 million worth of "assistance in military equipment" has been greenlit for Israel.
Under normal circumstances, such sales would undergo a 20-day review within Congressional committees. However, citing the "urgent needs" of Israel, the Biden administration fast-tracked the approval process. In the previous emergency sale in early December, 13,000 tank rounds were transferred. The recent sale includes essential military equipment such as "fuses and propellants" required for the deployed rounds.
The Department of State clarified the absence of Congressional approval, stating that the urgency of Israel's defense needs prompted them to inform Congress. A decision within their authority was made for immediate approval.
Republican members of the U.S. Congress had previously declared their intent to withhold approval for the proposed $106 billion aid budget by the Biden administration.
The budget included $61 billion for Ukraine and $14 billion earmarked for "aid" to Israel.
This latest development adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing debates surrounding U.S. foreign policy decisions, raising questions about the balance of power and decision-making processes within the government
