The administration of US President Joe Biden has informed key lawmakers in Congress that it is sending a new package of weapons and ammunition to Israel totaling over $1 billion, according to AP.
An official announcement regarding the transfer of weaponry has not yet been made, so congressional aides have disclosed this information to the agency on condition of anonymity.
According to their statements, the package includes approximately $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds.
The exact timing of when the weapons will be sent is currently unknown.
First delivery after the embargo on bombs
This will be the first arms shipment to Israel since the Biden administration suspended the transfer of 3,500 bombs earlier this month. This decision was made to deter Israel from using the bombs in its advance on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
Reuters reported on May 10 that despite the delay of one batch of bombs, Israel continues to receive other types of American weaponry worth billions of dollars.
Israel's operation in Rafah
Yesterday, May 14, it was reported that Israeli tanks broke through the highway to Rafah. As a result, the main border crossing point for humanitarian aid was closed, exacerbating the already dire situation in the city.
Israel has also intensified its aerial and ground bombardments of the eastern districts of the city, resulting in casualties in one of the buildings in the Brazil neighborhood.
Fighting is also ongoing in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
