ANTHONY BLINKEN. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
For the second time this month, the administration of US President Joe Biden bypassed Congress to approve an emergency arms sale to Israel worth $147.5 million.
Source : Associated Press
Details : Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Congress that he has made a second emergency sale of $147.5 million worth of equipment, including fuses, charges and fuses, needed to enable the 155mm rounds that Israel has already acquired. functioned.
“Given the urgency of Israel's defense needs, the Secretary advised Congress that he exercised delegated authority and determined that an emergency existed requiring immediate approval of the transfer,” the State Department said.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests that Israel is able to defend itself against the threats it faces,” Blinken said in a statement.
The emergency designation means the purchase would be made in circumvention of Congressional controls on foreign military sales. Such decisions are rare, but not unprecedented, when the administration sees an urgent need for arms supplies without waiting for legislative approval.
Blinken made a similar decision on December 9, approving the sale of nearly 14,000 tank ammunition to Israel, valued at more than $106 million.