Biden Administration Approves Emergency Sale of 14,000 Tank Shells to Israel

Washington, D.C., December 09, 2023: In a move invoking emergency authority, the Biden administration has sanctioned the sale of approximately 14,000 tank shells to Israel, bypassing the need for congressional review, as confirmed by the Pentagon on Saturday.

The State Department employed an emergency declaration under the Arms Export Control Act on Friday to facilitate the immediate delivery of tank rounds valued at $106.5 million to Israel, a decision outlined in an official statement by the Pentagon.

This shipment of shells is part of a larger proposed sale, initially reported by Reuters on Friday, which seeks approval from the U.S. Congress. The comprehensive package exceeds $500 million and includes 45,000 shells intended for Israel’s Merkava tanks, a crucial component frequently deployed in offensive operations in Gaza, contributing to a conflict that has resulted in the loss of thousands of civilian lives.

Amidst the escalating conflict, scrutiny has intensified regarding the precise utilization of U.S. weapons in the region. Despite concerns, U.S. officials maintain that there are no plans to impose conditions on military aid to Israel or to contemplate withholding any part of it.

Advocates for human rights have expressed reservations about the sale, contending that it contradicts Washington’s stated objective of urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reportedly determined and presented Congress with a comprehensive justification, asserting that the immediate provision of tank shells to Israel aligns with the national security interests of the United States, according to the Pentagon’s statement.

The sale, drawing from the U.S. Army inventory, will encompass 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges and associated equipment. The Pentagon underscored that Israel will employ the augmented capability as a deterrent against regional threats and to fortify its homeland defense. Importantly, it emphasized that the sale will not adversely impact U.S. defense readiness.