The United States government has invoked emergency authority to facilitate the sale of approximately 15,400 tank shells to Israel without undergoing congressional review, according to the Pentagon.

On Friday, the State Department utilized an emergency declaration under the Arms Export Control Act for the tank rounds, valued at $106.5 million, enabling their immediate delivery to Israel, as outlined in a statement released by the Pentagon on Saturday. These shells form part of a more extensive sale that the Biden administration is seeking Congress to approve, with the larger package exceeding $500 million and encompassing 49,500 shells designed for Israel’s Merkava tanks, regularly deployed in offensive operations in Gaza, resulting in the loss of numerous civilian lives.

Since October 7, at least 17,700 Palestinians have lost their lives in Gaza, with over 48,800 sustaining injuries. On Friday, the US exercised its veto power at the UN Security Council, rejecting a call for an urgent humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This decision followed a rare warning from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday, who highlighted the global threat posed by the ongoing two-month war.

Amidst the escalating conflict, there is heightened scrutiny over how and where the US weapons are deployed, although US officials assert that there are no intentions to impose conditions on military aid to Israel or consider withholding any such assistance.

Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the sale, contending that it contradicts Washington’s stated commitment to pressuring Israel to minimize civilian casualties. In response, a State Department official clarified on Saturday that the US consistently communicates to the Israeli government the imperative to adhere to international law and take every possible measure to prevent harm to civilians.

The proposed sale, the official asserted, underscores the US commitment to Israel’s security and aims to enhance Israel’s defensive capabilities.

BOB Post