Biden Approves Arms Sale to Israel Despite ICC War Crimes Allegations

Approved by U.S. President Joe Biden, a significant weapons agreement with Israel provides military hardware valued at hundreds of millions of dollars including tiny aerial bombs and Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM). The decision comes amid general worldwide condemnation directed on Israeli officials allegedly guilty of war crimes before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Declared on November 21, the ICC's statement demanded the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for their allegedly war crimes in Gaza. Notwithstanding this, Biden has approved the transaction, therefore highlighting the United States' long-standing military and financial support of Israel.

With Palestinian losses exceeding 44,000, local accounts of Israel's military actions in Gaza over the past year have attracted charges of genocide. The issue has been worsened by the denial of humanitarian relief to Gaza, therefore depriving millions of basic needs. Critics contend that ongoing U.S. military exports support more bloodshed in the area.

The financial gains American defense contractors have brought about contribute to the debate. According to a Responsible Statecraft analysis, U.S. arms manufacturers—including the biggest F-35 fighter jet producer in the world—have seen revenues increase by 54.86% over last year. Reportedly deployed in Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, these jets raise questions about corporate avarice resulting from regional strife.

The choice to move forward with the arms deal exposes the Biden government's consistent support of Israel but has drawn criticism from international legal experts and human rights campaigners. They contend that these acts compromise the legitimacy of international legal systems and support violence in Gaza, therefore casting doubt on the American role in supporting continuous conflict.