US-Israel relations have been strengthening bonds through military assistance for seven decades.
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The enduring relations between the United States and Israel have been solidified through a substantial transfer of military aid spanning more than seven decades.

An analysis conducted by Axios, drawing from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) Arms Transfers Database, reveals a staggering provision of over 70,000 weapons by the US to Israel between 1950 and 2022.

This robust assistance encompasses a diverse array of armaments ranging from aircraft and ground vehicles to missiles and bombs.

Let’s delve deep into this analysis.

US Support: Cornerstone of Israel’s Defense Capabilities

As the foremost beneficiary of US foreign military financing, Israel has predominantly received aid in the form of weapons grants.

This comprehensive support has woven a deep thread of collaboration between the two nations, significantly bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities.

The present scenario underscores the intricate utilization of these US-supplied armaments in Israel’s ongoing operations, particularly in Gaza.

Elias Yousif, an esteemed US arms transfer expert at the Stimson Center, noted the extensive use of American weaponry in the current Israeli operations.

He also told Time last month that US foreign military financing currently accounts for roughly 16 percent of Israel’s defense budget.

“I think it’s a safe assumption to say that US weapons are being used extensively in the current Israeli operations in Gaza,” said Yousif.

While specific details regarding the 2023 weapons provision remain undisclosed, reports confirm the transfer of at least sixteen types of weapons, encompassing missiles and aircraft.

However, amidst this partnership, calls for enhanced transparency have emerged from certain quarters.

As exemplified by Representative Cori Bush, Progressive voices advocate for greater transparency from the Biden administration regarding arms transfers to Israel.

This plea aligns with the quest for equitable disclosure akin to that observed in other international engagements.

Axios analysis
(Screengrab via Axios)

Policies and Ethical Considerations

Contrastingly, the Pentagon’s stance on imposing restrictions concerning the utilization of US-provided weaponry by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has remained steadfast.

“We are not putting any limits on how Israel uses weapons that is provided,” Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters at a press briefing last October. “That is really up to the Israel Defense Force to use in how they are going to conduct their operations.”

Nonetheless, the Biden administration has urged Israel to exercise restraint to mitigate civilian casualties and has endorsed humanitarian pauses in the conflict, signaling a nuanced approach toward the utilization of the aid provided.

“But again […] we continue to advocate that humanitarian laws, the law of armed conflict, are always upheld and that Israel should do just that when implementing its ground operation in Gaza,” she added.

Humanitarian Impact and Complex Dynamics

Delving deeper into the dynamics, the scale of Israel’s operations in Gaza has prompted global attention, with significant human cost.

According to the Ministry of Health in Hamas-run Gaza, the toll from Israel’s actions has resulted in the tragic loss of over 14,000 Palestinian lives.

These operations were launched following a terror attack by Hamas on October 7 that claimed the lives of more than 1,200 individuals, catalyzing a complex and intense situation.

Specifics of Weapons Provision

Examining the specifics of weapons provision, Axios research has unveiled Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) as the cornerstone of US military aid to Israel over the years.

Boeing’s recent expedited delivery of 1,800 JDAM kits, originally part of a 2021 sale to be fulfilled gradually, exemplifies the strategic acceleration of support to Israel.

The Depth of Collaboration: Access to Advanced Technology

Stepping back, the depth of US-Israeli collaboration extends beyond mere provision as Israel gains access to some of the most sophisticated US military technology, Axios reports in early November.

An estimable 15 percent of Israel’s annual defense budget is attributed to US support, elucidating the symbiotic nature of this bilateral relationship.

Following the October 7 attack alone, the Biden administration requested at least $14.3 billion to aid Israel in its military efforts against Hamas militants, including funds for air and missile defense systems like the revered Iron Dome.

Conclusion: Balancing Support and Responsibility

The transfer of over 70,000 weapons signifies a historical alignment of interests and values, marking an enduring alliance between the United States and Israel.

However, the multifaceted implications and humanitarian concerns arising from the utilization of this aid underscore the complexity inherent in military alliances.

The ongoing dialogue regarding transparency, humanitarian considerations, and the ethical use of aid signifies a pivotal juncture in the annals of US-Israel relations, shaping the discourse on international cooperation and responsible military support.

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