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Biden Admin again bypasses Congress for weapons sale to Israel

Summary:

The Biden administration, bypassing Congress for the second time this month, greenlights the swift transfer of nearly $150 million (approx. Ksh.23.6 billion) in military equipment to Israel amid its conflict with Hamas.

The Biden administration has once again sidestepped Congress to authorize the immediate transfer of approximately $150 million in military equipment to Israel, citing the country’s urgent defensive needs in its conflict with Hamas.


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Secretary of State Antony Blinken invoked emergency powers to approve the transfer, which includes $147.5 million (around Ksh.23.2 billion) worth of 155mm ancillary items crucial for 155mm shells.

This move follows a similar expedited sale earlier this month, where over 13,000 tank shells were sent to Israel without the usual 20-day congressional review period. The total value of these sales now amounts to $147.5 million.

The State Department emphasized the importance of Israel complying with international humanitarian law to minimize harm to civilians.