(Reuters) – The Biden administration has informally notified the US Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms deal to Israel that includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, Axios reported on Friday, citing two sources.
The report said the deal would need approval from the House and Senate committees and includes artillery shells and air-to-air missiles for fighter aircraft to defend against threats such as drones.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Axios quoted an American official as saying: “The president has made clear that Israel has the right to defend its citizens, in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression from Iran and its affiliated organizations.”
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 scheduled to leave office on January 20, when he will be succeeded by Donald Trump.
