AT FIRST I THOUGHT THIS WAS FAKE NEWS ... IT'S STILL HARD TO BELIEVE

Biden authorizes thousands more bombs for Israel despite urging Benjamin Netanyahu not to invade Rafah: Tel Aviv will get 1,800 unguided 2,000lb bombs each capable of flattening a city block and leaving a 40ft crater

The U.S. has authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel despite public outcry over the killing of civilians in Gaza. The new arms packages include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs  

 

By Reuters and Nikki Schwab

 

Daily Mail

Mar 29, 2024

 

 

MK84 2000-pound bombs

 

The U.S. in recent days authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, two sources familiar with the effort said on Friday, even as Washington publicly expresses concerns about an anticipated Israeli military offensive in Rafah.

The new arms packages include more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, said the sources, who confirmed a report in the Washington Post.

Washington gives $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, its longtime ally.

The package comes as Israel faces strong international criticism over its continued bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza and as some members of President Joe Biden's party call for him to cut U.S. military aid.

The United States has been rushing air defenses and munitions to Israel, but some Democrats and Arab American groups have criticized the Biden administration's steadfast support of Israel, which they say provides it with a sense of impunity.

 

A smoke plume erupts during an Israeli bombardment on Friday. The U.S. has authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, despite public outcry over the war in Gaza and the killing of Palestinian civilians 

President Joe Biden on Friday acknowledged 'the pain being felt' by many Arab Americans over the was in Gaza though vowed to continue to support Israel despite an increasingly public rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 

 

Biden on Friday acknowledged 'the pain being felt' by many Arab Americans over the war in Gaza and over U.S. support for Israel and its military offensive.

He faced protests during his trip this week to New York, with hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Radio City Music Hall, where he participated in a glitzy $25 million fundraiser alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton Thursday night. 

A number of protesters also made it into the show and interrupted the three presidents' discussion with Late Show host Stephen Colbert. 

During the event, he reiterated his support for a 'two-state solution.'  

Still, he has vowed continued support for Israel despite an increasingly public rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The White House declined comment on the weapons transfers.

The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

 

A Palestinian rides a bike through a bombed out building in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Friday, after an Israeli airstrike. Biden approved more than 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs going to Israel 

Pro-Palestine protesters swarmed Radio City Music Hall Thursday night ahead of President Joe Biden's $25 million fundraiser alongside former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton

 

The decision on weapons follows a visit to Washington by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant this week when he discussed Israel's weapons needs with U.S. counterparts.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Gallant, apparently seeking to cool U.S.-Israeli tensions, said he stressed the importance of U.S. ties to his country's security and of maintaining Israel's 'qualitative military edge' in the region, including its air capabilities.

The war erupted on Oct. 7 after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed 1,200 people and seized 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. 

Israel has retaliated by launching an air and ground assault on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 32,000 people, health authorities in Gaza say.