US Expedited Sale of Tank Shells to Israel Bypassing Congress Amid Gaza Conflict

In an unprecedented move, the United States has sidestepped congressional review to expedite an emergency arms sale to Israel, sparking concerns amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Pentagon disclosed that around 14,000 tank shells, valued at $106.5 million, are to be delivered to Israel immediately, utilizing an emergency declaration under the Arms Export Control Act.

This transaction is part of a much larger deal awaiting congressional approval. The comprehensive package, exceeding $500 million, includes an additional cache of 45,000 shells designed for Israel's Merkava tanks, a mainstay in its military offensives, including operations in Gaza. These offensives have been deeply contentious, resulting in thousands of civilian deaths. Recent reports highlight a staggering toll on Gaza, with over 17,700 Palestinians killed and upwards of 48,800 injured since October 7.

The timing of this sale is notable as it follows the United States' veto at the UN Security Council against a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. This veto came despite the UN Secretary-General's warning about the escalatory potential of the two-month-long conflict.

As the war continues, close attention has been paid to the use of U.S.-origin weapons in the region. Despite calls for accountability and restraint, U.S. officials maintain that there are no imminent plans to impose conditions or withhold military support to Israel. However, human rights activists have voiced their unease, underscoring the apparent discord between the arms sale and Washington's supposed commitment to mitigating civilian harm.

Washington assures that it has been transparent with the Israeli government about adhering to international law and safeguarding civilians. According to a State Department official, the proposed arms sale underscores the U.S.'s commitment to Israel’s security, envisaged to fortify its defensive capabilities.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has provided a detailed justification to Congress, asserting that the provision of these tank shells to Israel serves the national security interests of the United States. The arsenal includes the 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) cartridges, along with requisite equipment.

The Pentagon emphasizes that this procurement will serve as a deterrent to regional threats and reinforce Israel's homeland defense, with no detrimental impact on U.S. defense readiness as a consequence of the sale. Moreover, Israel's use of the 120mm shells, particularly within the Merkava tanks, has been linked to several incidents involving civilian and journalist casualties.

A recent investigation by Reuters uncovered that an Israeli tank unit was responsible for the death of journalist Issam Abdallah, also injuring six other reporters, by firing shells near the Israel-Gaza border. The death toll of media personnel since the onset of the Gaza conflict has been alarming, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, with at least 63 journalists killed.

This development has drawn global attention and adds a layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape, raising questions about the role of arms sales in international conflicts and the accountability mechanisms associated with them.