United States support for Israel in the Israel–Hamas war: Difference between revisions
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{{See also|2023 Israel–Hamas war}} |
{{See also|2023 Israel–Hamas war}} |
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[[File:Total US foreign assistance by country, adjusted for inflation, 1946-2022.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Total US foreign aid to Israel compared to other countries. 1946-2022.<ref name=aid>[https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-military-aid-does-the-us-give-to-israel How much aid does the US give to Israel?] {{w|USAFacts}}. Updated on October 12, 2023.</ref>]] |
[[File:Total US foreign assistance by country, adjusted for inflation, 1946-2022.png|thumb|upright=1.2|Total US foreign aid to Israel compared to other countries. 1946-2022.<ref name=aid>[https://usafacts.org/articles/how-much-military-aid-does-the-us-give-to-israel How much aid does the US give to Israel?] {{w|USAFacts}}. Updated on October 12, 2023.</ref>]] |
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After Hamas gunmen |
After Hamas gunmen massacred Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, Israel began an air campaign against Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Holland |first1=Steve |title=Biden to seek billions in military aid for Israel as invasion of Gaza nears |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/biden-seek-billions-military-aid-israel-invasion-gaza-nears-2023-10-20/ |agency=Reuters |date=20 October 2023}}</ref> Israel has placed a complete blockade on Gaza to prevent fuel and water from entering the Gaza Strip, as the IDF appears to be preparing for a ground invasion on the narrow, heavily populated coastal strip.<ref name="Harbaljazeera">{{cite news |last1=Harb |first1=Ali |title=‘A message’: Why has Biden dispatched a US strike group during Gaza war? |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/12/a-message-why-is-biden-dispatching-a-us-strike-group-during-gaza-war |agency=Al Jazeera |date=12 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rabinovitch |first1=Ari |title=U.S. ready to send more military aid to Israel, says Austin |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-ready-send-more-military-aid-israel-says-austin-2023-10-13/ |agency=Reuters |date=13 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=What Aid Is the U.S. Sending to Israel? |url=https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/israel-hamas-war-gaza-palestinians/card/what-aid-is-the-u-s-sending-to-israel--2valnhSS2HjKeAk7BAUd |agency=The Wall Street Journal |date=October 2023}}</ref><ref name="Al Jazeera">{{cite news |date=10 October 2023 |title=Biden pledges military aid, political support for Israel amid Gaza war |agency=Al Jazeera |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/10/biden-pledges-military-aid-political-support-for-israel-amid-gaza-war}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Zengerle |first1=Patricia |title=Will US military aid to Israel jeopardize Biden's help to Ukraine? |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/will-us-military-aid-israel-jeopardize-bidens-help-ukraine-2023-10-10/ |agency=Reuters |date=11 October 2023}}</ref> The United States described Hamas' preemptive attack as "unprovoked",<ref name="Guardian">{{cite news |title=How should the US respond to the Israel-Palestine crisis? Our panel weighs in |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/oct/10/how-should-the-us-respond-to-the-israel-palestine-crisis-our-panel-weighs-in |agency=The Guardian |date=10 October 2023}}</ref> and started sending warships and warplanes into the region, prepared to give Israel whatever it needs.<ref name="TimeCOPP"/> |
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Since Israel's founding in 1948, it has received $158 billion in military aid from the United States, making it the greatest recipient in history.<ref name="SperiTheintercept ">{{cite news |last1=Speri |first1=Alice |title=GOING ALL-IN FOR ISRAEL MAY MAKE BIDEN COMPLICIT IN GENOCIDE |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/10/19/israel-gaza-biden-genocide-war-crimes/ |agency=The Intercept |date=19 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jacobson |first1=Louis |title=PolitFactFL: U.S. aid to Israel: What to know |url=https://www.wmfe.org/politics/2023-10-20/politfact-florida-united-states-aid-israel-palestine |agency=WMFE |date=20 October 2023}}</ref> |
Since Israel's founding in 1948, it has received $158 billion in military aid from the United States, making it the greatest recipient in history.<ref name="SperiTheintercept ">{{cite news |last1=Speri |first1=Alice |title=GOING ALL-IN FOR ISRAEL MAY MAKE BIDEN COMPLICIT IN GENOCIDE |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/10/19/israel-gaza-biden-genocide-war-crimes/ |agency=The Intercept |date=19 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jacobson |first1=Louis |title=PolitFactFL: U.S. aid to Israel: What to know |url=https://www.wmfe.org/politics/2023-10-20/politfact-florida-united-states-aid-israel-palestine |agency=WMFE |date=20 October 2023}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 11:42, 30 October 2023
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Following the 2023 Israel–Hamas war on October 7, the United States started sending warships and warplanes into the region, prepared to give Israel "whatever it needs".[1] It promised more military aid to Israel, which already receives $3.8 billion in US military aid.[2]
Background
After Hamas gunmen massacred Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, Israel began an air campaign against Gaza.[4] Israel has placed a complete blockade on Gaza to prevent fuel and water from entering the Gaza Strip, as the IDF appears to be preparing for a ground invasion on the narrow, heavily populated coastal strip.[5][6][7][8][9] The United States described Hamas' preemptive attack as "unprovoked",[10] and started sending warships and warplanes into the region, prepared to give Israel whatever it needs.[1]
Since Israel's founding in 1948, it has received $158 billion in military aid from the United States, making it the greatest recipient in history.[11][12] Following Israel's victory over surrounding Arab forces in 1967 and its subsequent occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza, military assistance to the country surged significantly. Iron Dome, which became operational in 2011, was created with the help of the United States, which is responsible for providing components for the system, including allocating more than $1.5 billion for missile defense for Israel in 2022.[13] As part of a record $38 billion agreement over ten years negotiated under former US President Barack Obama in 2016, US military aid to Israel exceeded $3.8 billion in 2023. Of the $3.8 billion in military aid given to Israel this year, half a billion was for Israel's missile defense. Washington has announced that it will replenish Israel's ammunition used in the recent war against Hamas.[13]
Timeline
Hours after the 2023 Israel–Hamas war on October 7, the United States started sending warships and warplanes into the region, prepared to give Israel whatever it needs.[1] US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin ordered the deployment of United States Navy's Carrier Strike Group 12, led by the USS Gerald R. Ford.[14][15][1] Israel asked the United States for Iron Dome interceptors, and President Joe Biden said Washington would quickly provide additional equipment and resources, including ammunition, which are going to reach Israel within days. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Washington would provide its "full support" to Israel, with guided missile launchers and F-35 fighter jets among the equipment being sent.[1]
By October 10, more ships and troops were on their way to Israel, and additional troops in the United States were being prepared to deploy if requested. One US aircraft carrier and its strike group were already in the eastern Mediterranean, and a second US carrier had left and was underway. In addition, three naval warships were sent to the area. A large number of aircraft were sent to US military bases throughout the Middle East, and US special operations forces cooperated with the Israeli military in planning and intelligence.[1]
As Israel prepares for a possible ground attack on Gaza, the Biden administration and prominent members of Congress are preparing an aid package from the United States with about $2 billion in additional funding to support Israel, Time reported.[16]
On October 12, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated America's commitment to Israel's security during a news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[5]
on October 14 Defence Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III announced that he had dispatched a second aircraft carrier to the eastern Mediterranean “to deter hostile actions against Israel or any efforts towards widening this war”. In addition, the Air Force was sending twice as many F-16, A-10, and F-15E squadrons as before to the Persian Gulf region in order to intensify its land-based assault aircraft presence there. According to officials, the United States would have an aerial armada of more than 100 attack planes when combined with the four squadrons of F/A-18 jets that were stationed onboard each carrier. Additionally, to help with intelligence gathering and preparation for any operations aimed at locating and rescuing the 150 hostages—among them, some Americans—that Hamas is allegedly keeping, the Pentagon had dispatched a small team of Special Operations personnel to Israel.[17]
On October 15, the White House declared that it would attempt this week to get congressional approval of a fresh $2 billion weaponry aid package for Israel and the Ukraine.[18] Also US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered about 2,000 troops to be prepared for possible deployment to Israel, several defense officials said.[19][1]
According to three American officials and one Israeli official, the Biden administration was discussing about the possibility of using military force if Hezbollah joins the Gaza war.[20] The United States was prepared to send more forces as a deterrent to the Middle East if necessary.[21]
By October 17, five shipments of American weapons and equipment had arrived in Israel.[1]The United States has put 2,000 troops on high alert and extended the deployment of an aircraft carrier in the Middle East.[22]
On October 19, one day after travelling to Israel, US President urged Congress to increase military aid to the Jewish state and Ukraine.[23] Biden claimed that Hamas aimed to "annihilate" democracy in Israel.[24]
On October 20, Biden announced that the additional fund he asked Congress to authorize would come to a total of $14 billion, as part of a $105 billion military aid package.[25][24]
On October 21 the Pentagon declared that two of its most potent missile defence systems—a THAAD battery and extra Patriot batteries—would be deployed to the Middle East.[25][26]
Analysis
U.S. lawmakers have long viewed Israel as an ally to help protect U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East. Maintaining Israel's regional military hegemony, according to Al-Jazeera, is a central element of U.S. Middle East policy. This has been achieved with U.S. financial aid and an increase in Israel's military arsenal.[13] Josh Paul, who resigned over sending arms to Israel, has described Biden policy in favor of "the status quo of the occupation" and a "shortsighted, destructive, unjust" policy that "will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people — and is not in the long term American interest."[27]
Legality
Israel has been accused by human rights groups such as Amnesty International of imposing an apartheid system on the Palestinians[5] and the Human rights organisations and the UN have expressed alarm at Israeli authorities' declaration of a "complete siege" on the Palestinian enclave, vowing to bar food and other necessities from reaching the area.[8] In spite of this, the US has continued to give Israel unconditional military help.[10] The United States places restrictions on the use of aid, especially military aid. The Leahy Law forbids the transfer of US defence articles to armed groups involved in violations of human rights. This law has not resulted in any penalties for any Israeli entity.[13] US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Biden administration has a "high tolerance" for anything that happens in Gaza.[28]
See also
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h COPP, TARA (2023). "Ships, Planes, Weapons, Troops: Here's All the Military Support the U.S. Is Readying for Israel". Time.
- ^ "How much aid does the US give to Israel?". USA Facts. 12 October 2023.
- ^ How much aid does the US give to Israel? USAFacts. Updated on October 12, 2023.
- ^ Holland, Steve (20 October 2023). "Biden to seek billions in military aid for Israel as invasion of Gaza nears". Reuters.
- ^ a b c Harb, Ali (12 October 2023). "'A message': Why has Biden dispatched a US strike group during Gaza war?". Al Jazeera.
- ^ Rabinovitch, Ari (13 October 2023). "U.S. ready to send more military aid to Israel, says Austin". Reuters.
- ^ "What Aid Is the U.S. Sending to Israel?". The Wall Street Journal. October 2023.
- ^ a b "Biden pledges military aid, political support for Israel amid Gaza war". Al Jazeera. 10 October 2023.
- ^ Zengerle, Patricia (11 October 2023). "Will US military aid to Israel jeopardize Biden's help to Ukraine?". Reuters.
- ^ a b "How should the US respond to the Israel-Palestine crisis? Our panel weighs in". The Guardian. 10 October 2023.
- ^ Speri, Alice (19 October 2023). "GOING ALL-IN FOR ISRAEL MAY MAKE BIDEN COMPLICIT IN GENOCIDE". The Intercept.
- ^ Jacobson, Louis (20 October 2023). "PolitFactFL: U.S. aid to Israel: What to know". WMFE.
- ^ a b c d "How big is Israel's military and how much funding does it get from the US?". Al Jazeera. 11 October 2023.
- ^ COPP, TARA (9 October 2023). "The US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel". AP News.
- ^ "US moves warships closer to Israel after Hamas attack". BBC News. 9 October 2023.
- ^ Cortellessa, Eric (11 October 2023). "Biden and Congress Craft $2 Billion Aid Package as Israel Vows to 'Crush' Hamas". Time.
- ^ Schmitt, Eric (15 October 2023). "U.S. Expanding Military Presence Near Israel". The New York Times.
- ^ "Biden to Push for Ukraine, Israel Military Aid". VOA News. 15 October 2023.
- ^ Bertrand, Natasha (October 16, 2023). "US Marine rapid response force moving toward Israel as Pentagon strengthens military posture in region". CNN.
- ^ Ravid, Barak (17 October 2023). "Scoop: White House has discussed U.S. military response if Hezbollah attacks Israel". Axios.
- ^ Martinez, Luis (18 October 2023). "How the US military's moves, including 2,000 Marines, will play into the Israel-Gaza conflict". ABC News.
- ^ Capaccio, Anthony (17 October 2023). "US Puts 2,000 Troops on Higher Alert as Israel Readies Assault". Bloomberg.
- ^ Magid, Jacob (19 October 2023). "In Oval Office speech, Biden urges Congress to boost military aid for Israel, Ukraine". Times of Israel.
- ^ a b Holland, Steve (20 October 2023). "Biden to seek billions in military aid for Israel as invasion of Gaza nears". Reuters.
- ^ a b Beale, Jonathan (October 2023). "How far would the US go to defend Israel?". BBC News.
- ^ "U.S. Sends More Missile Defense Systems to Middle East". The New York Times. 22 October 2023.
- ^ Falconer, Rebecca (October 2023). "U.S. State Department official resigns over military aid to Israel". Axios.
- ^ Wong, Edward (October 2023). "U.S. Tells World to Back Israel's Gaza Strikes as Civilian Toll Rises". The New York Times.