US $3.3 Billion Military Aid Package to Israel Sends Strong Message Amid Regional Tensions

The United States has signed a $3.3 billion military aid package for Israel, which Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said sends a strong message to Israel's enemies amid rising regional tensions. The aid package, which has now passed both houses of Congress, is seen as a reflection of the strength of the US-Israel alliance.

The aid comes against a backdrop of growing protests on US college campuses against Israel's conduct of the war against Hamas in Gaza, which has turned vast areas of the territory to rubble and sparked fears of famine. The UN says multiple obstacles continue to impede the delivery of urgently needed aid to civilians in Gaza.

Israel has vowed to press on with a planned offensive on Rafah, the last major Hamas stronghold, which aid groups warn would create an "apocalyptic situation." The war began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2024 that resulted in the deaths of around 1,170 people, according to an AFP tally. In retaliation, Israel's military offensive has killed at least 34,183 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with tens of thousands killed and vast areas reduced to rubble. The US military aid to Israel amid this conflict is likely to further inflame tensions in the region and draw increased scrutiny of the US-Israel relationship.

The UN rights office has expressed horror at reports of mass graves found at Gaza's two biggest hospitals after Israeli sieges and raids, which Israel has denied. The European Union's humanitarian chief has called on donor governments to fund the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, which has been central to aid operations in Gaza.

Israel said its forces were also carrying out offensive action in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, as tensions remain high across the region. The Israeli military said it has eliminated half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon over months of violence.

The approval of the $3.3 billion US military aid package comes despite opposition from some Democratic lawmakers and critics who have called for suspending arms transfers to Israel, accusing the Israeli Defense Forces of a "systematic pattern of war crimes." The US administration is conducting a review to ensure that US partners who receive American weapons are complying with international and US laws, including on human rights.

Key Takeaways

• US signs $3.3B military aid package for Israel amid regional tensions.
• Protests on US campuses against Israel's conduct of war against Hamas in Gaza.
• Israel vows to press on with offensive on Rafah, Hamas' last stronghold.
• US aid to Israel amid conflict likely to inflame tensions and draw scrutiny.
• Some Democrats oppose arms transfers to Israel, citing war crimes allegations.