Biden administration’s unprecedented arms sales to Israel raise ethical questions

March 10th, 2024

Awake Goy

The Biden administration’s approval of over 100 arms transactions to Israel amidst the intensifying conflict in Gaza has sparked a significant ethical and legal controversy. These deals, characterized by an array of military hardware including “precision-guided munitions, small diameter bombs, and bunker busters,” have bypassed traditional congressional oversight due to their individual values falling beneath a mandated notification threshold, The Washington Post reports.

Jeremy Konyndyk, reflecting on his tenure as a senior Biden official, described the sheer volume of these transactions as “extraordinary.” He voiced concerns over the implications of such robust U.S. support, suggesting it directly underpins the ongoing Israeli military actions. “The Israeli campaign’s sustainability without this level of U.S. support is questionable,” Konyndyk observed, highlighting the intricate ties between American aid and the conflict’s dynamics.

The ethical ramifications of these arms sales are particularly pronounced given the reported civilian casualties in Gaza. U.S. legislation, notably the Foreign Assistance Act, explicitly prohibits aid to nations that restrict the flow of humanitarian assistance, placing these transactions in a legally murky territory. Amidst this backdrop, Sen. Bernie Sanders has emerged as a vocal critic, urging an immediate cessation of military support to Israel. “The provision of weapons to a government implicated in the displacement of millions and the deaths of thousands is unconscionable,” Sanders remarked, encapsulating the growing dissent within the U.S. political landscape.

Amplifying these concerns, Yonah Lieberman from the progressive Jewish advocacy group IfNotNow, pointed to the alarming frequency of these arms deals, averaging one every 36 hours since the onset of the Gaza assault. This rapid pace of arms provision starkly contrasts with the dire humanitarian situation on the ground, raising questions about the U.S. role in the conflict’s exacerbation.

In defense, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stressed the administration’s compliance with legislative requirements, noting extensive congressional engagements regarding arms transfers to Israel. “Our commitment to keeping Congress informed exceeds the legal prerequisites,” Miller stated, attempting to dispel concerns over the transparency and accountability of these transactions.

Yet, as the weapons continue to flow, the international community and human rights advocates demand a reassessment of U.S. policies. The tension between strategic interests and human rights obligations remains at the forefront of this debate, challenging the U.S. to reconcile its foreign policy actions with its professed values.

The Biden administration’s arms sales to Israel during the ongoing Gaza conflict have ignited a complex debate over the ethical, legal, and strategic dimensions of U.S. foreign policy. With civilian casualties mounting and the humanitarian crisis deepening, these transactions underscore the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and a reevaluation of U.S. involvement.