US plans $8 billion arms sale to Israel, Axios reports

The Biden administration has informally notified the U.S. Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel that includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, Axios reported on Friday, citing two sources.

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The deal would need approval from House and Senate committees and includes artillery shells and air-to-air missiles for fighter jets to defend against threats such as drones, the report said.

The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“The President has made clear Israel has a right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression from Iran and its proxy organizations,” a U.S. official was quoted by Axios as saying.

The package also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads, according to Axios.

Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to end the 15-month-old Israeli war in Gaza. President Joe Biden is due to leave office on Jan. 20, when Donald Trump will succeed him.

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