The Pentagon announced on Saturday that the Biden administration has authorized the sale of around 14,000 tank ammunition to Israel without Congressional review by using an emergency power.
According to a statement from the Pentagon, the State Department utilized an Arms Export Control Act emergency declaration on Friday to allow the prompt delivery of the $106.5 million worth of tank rounds to Israel.
The Biden administration is requesting approval from the US Congress for a larger transaction, of which the shells are a part, that was first revealed by Reuters on Friday. The larger cargo, valued at over $500 million, includes 45,000 shells for Israel’s Merkava tanks, which are frequently used in the country’s onslaught in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
According to the Pentagon statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded that the urgent provision of tank shells to Israel is necessary for the country’s national security and he presented Congress with a thorough reason for this decision.
The 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges and associated equipment will be for sale. They are part of the U.S. Army’s stockpile.
The Pentagon stated that the sale will not have a negative effect on the readiness of the American military.
“Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense,”
