US Considers Sending 24,000 Assault Rifles to Israel, Sparking Controversy
In a move that has sparked widespread debate and concern, the United States is considering sending 24,000 assault rifles to Israel, a decision that has been met with criticism from human rights groups and lawmakers.
According to reports, the Biden administration is considering releasing the weapons, which are currently held in storage, as part of a military aid package to Israel. The move comes as tensions between Israel and the Palestinian territories continue to escalate, with both sides exchanging fire and accusations of human rights abuses.
The decision has been met with strong opposition from human rights groups, who argue that the weapons could be used to perpetuate violence and human rights abuses in the region. "The US should not be providing weapons to a country that has a long history of human rights abuses and violations of international law," said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Instead, the US should be pushing for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and holding Israel accountable for its actions."
Lawmakers have also expressed concerns about the decision, with some calling for a full review of the military aid package. "We need to take a closer look at what we’re sending to Israel and make sure it’s not being used to perpetuate violence and human rights abuses," said Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN). "We can’t just blindly send weapons to a country without considering the consequences."
The decision has also sparked concerns about the potential for the weapons to fall into the wrong hands. "Israel has a history of providing weapons to other countries and groups, and there’s a risk that these weapons could end up being used by terrorist organizations or other countries," said Joshua Hersh, a former CIA analyst.
The US has a long history of providing military aid to Israel, with the country receiving over $3 billion in annual aid. However, the decision to send 24,000 assault rifles has sparked a new level of controversy, with many arguing that the weapons could be used to perpetuate violence and human rights abuses.
In response to the criticism, the US State Department has said that the decision to send the weapons is part of a broader effort to support Israel’s security and stability. "The US is committed to supporting Israel’s security and stability, and this decision is part of that effort," said a State Department spokesperson. "We will continue to work with Israel to ensure that any weapons provided are used in a responsible and ethical manner."
Despite the controversy, it appears that the US is moving forward with the decision to send the weapons. The move is likely to be met with further criticism and debate, with many arguing that the US should be taking a more nuanced approach to the conflict in the region.
In the meantime, human rights groups and lawmakers will continue to push for a full review of the military aid package and a more critical examination of the US’s role in the conflict. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the US will reconsider its decision to send 24,000 assault rifles to Israel.
