(Reuters) – The Biden administration has informally notified the U.S. Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel, which includes munitions for fighter jets and attack helicopters, Axios reported on Friday, citing two sources.
The deal will need approval by House and Senate committees and includes artillery shells and air-to-air missiles for fighter jets to defend against threats such as drones, the report said.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“The president made it clear that Israel has the right to defend its citizens, in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression by Iran and its proxy organizations,” the US official said, according to Axios.
The package also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads, according to Axios.
Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to end Israel’s 15-month-old war in Gaza. President Joe Biden is scheduled to leave office on January 20, when he will be succeeded by Donald Trump.
