Influential US Republican urges Biden to speed Israel arms sales, says letter
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US Representative Michael McCaul speaking at the Longworth House office building on Capitol Hill, in Washington, on Oct 11, 2023.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON - The chairman of the US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee urged President Joe Biden on Oct 3 to speed up weapons shipments to Israel, including 907kg bombs that have been held up for months over human rights concerns.
“I urge you to act today to ensure all weapons shipments to Israel, including 2,000-pound bombs, are expedited to support our ally,” Representative Michael McCaul said in a letter sent to Mr Biden and seen by Reuters on Oct 3.
Mr McCaul, who reviews all major foreign US weapons sales in his position as committee chairman, said he was also aware of more than 10 other planned weapons sales to Israel that have been awaiting final approval for more than four months, and urged that they proceed quickly.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mr McCaul sent the letter amid global fears that the Middle East will erupt into widespread war, which have fuelled calls in Washington for the Biden administration to provide more assistance to Israel.
Israel, which has been fighting Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza for almost a year, has sent troops into southern Lebanon, where it is targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, after two weeks of intense air strikes.
Iran attacked Israel with more than 180 ballistic missiles on Oct 1. Israel has sworn it will retaliate.
US Republicans have been urging Mr Biden for months to reverse his decision earlier in 2024 to pause one shipment of the 907kg bombs, citing concern over the impact they could have in densely populated areas in Gaza.
One 907kg bomb can rip through thick concrete and metal, creating a wide blast radius.
Mr McCaul wrote: “We all wish Israel did not need these larger bombs, but they are operationally necessary as Israel’s enemies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, are intentionally using deeply buried subterranean bunkers and tunnels. I call on you to allow these weapons, which are ready to ship, to be sent to Israel immediately.” REUTERS
