Joe Biden’s administration announced an $8 billion arms sale to Israel shortly before Donald Trump’s inauguration.

The sale, which must be approved by Congress, includes ammunition for fighter jets and attack helicopters as well as artillery shells, small-diameter bombs, and warheads, according to Euronews.

Before leaving the White House, Joe Biden is once again defying pressure from some human rights organisations and Democratic lawmakers who oppose similar sales to Israel.

During a speech to Congress in November, Senator Bernie Sanders, a prominent figure on the American left, had called for an end to these arms sales.

President-elect Donald Trump pledged unwavering support for Israel, and unlike all presidents in recent years, he never committed to an independent, sovereign Palestinian state. However, he also expressed the desire to reach a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.

Despite intense diplomatic efforts under the auspices of Qatar, Egypt and the United States, no truce has been agreed upon after a week-long truce in late November 2023.

Also read: Gaza | Qatar is once again brokering a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel