The US House Appropriations panel has proposed allocating billions of dollars in weapons and munitions to bolster the Israeli regime, amidst growing calls for US President Joe Biden's administration to ease tensions in West Asia.
On Saturday, the US House of Representatives Appropriations Committee unveiled a $17.6 billion bill, earmarking significant funds for enhancing Israeli air defense systems and the production of artillery and munitions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the urgency of supporting both Israel, deemed the US's closest ally, and regional forces.
The bill is anticipated to undergo a vote in the full House next week.
While the Republican-led House previously greenlit $14.3 billion in fresh military assistance to Israel, with a condition to offset costs by reclaiming funds earmarked for the US Internal Revenue Service, the Democratic-controlled Senate objected to this provision.
The House Appropriations Committee stated that the proposed $17.6 billion package would aid in replenishing Israel's missile defense capabilities, acquiring advanced weapons systems, and manufacturing artillery and munitions. Some of the funds would also be allocated to replace US arms provided to Israel after the October 7 Hamas incursion into occupied territories.
In response, the Biden administration swiftly denounced the proposal as a "cynical political maneuver," accusing House Republicans of politicizing military aid to Israel.
Meanwhile, organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged the Biden administration to halt what they termed as the Israeli regime's "genocide" in the Gaza Strip, instead of escalating tensions across West Asia. They pointed to recent US strikes in Iraq and Syria as evidence of the failure of US foreign policy in the region.
Amidst escalating tensions, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed American forces' targeting of multiple sites in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen in recent days.
CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad called on President Biden to shift course, advocating for justice and freedom for the Palestinian people as the key to fostering a more peaceful future in the region.
