The United States is once again in the spotlight; over 50 human rights, religious, and foreign policy organizations have called on Congress to protest the Trump administration's proposed $2.8 billion sale of some of the most dangerous conventional weapons to Israel.
Contents of the Arms Sale
The U.S. government last month informally notified key congressional committees that it intends to sell 40,000 MK-84 and BLU-117 bombs weighing 2,000 pounds to Israel. These bombs, with their wide blast radius, can devastate large areas. The package also includes 20,000 I-2000 warheads designed for targeting deep underground sites. Most of the cost of this sale will be covered through the Foreign Military Financing program, which helps Israel and other partners purchase U.S.-made weapons.
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Humanitarian and Human Rights Implications
In a letter sent to congressional offices, groups such as Human Rights Watch, Oxfam America, and Amnesty International USA have warned that failing to oppose this sale would mean issuing a blank check for the continuation of catastrophic harm and human rights violations. These groups emphasize that the Israeli government has heavily used these bombs in its ongoing conflicts against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Domestic and international media, as well as the United Nations Human Rights Office, have documented Israel's use of 2,000-pound munitions that have created large craters in parts of Gaza and in areas of Lebanon designated as 'safe' for civilians.
This request from non-governmental and religious organizations reflects growing concerns about the humanitarian and human rights impacts of such arms sales. Given Israel's history of using such weapons, these groups believe that continued military cooperation and arms sales to this country could lead to the perpetuation of conflicts and humanitarian crises.
In this context, these organizations have called for greater transparency and accountability regarding the decisions of Congress and the U.S. State Department. They emphasize that Congress should play a more active role in overseeing such sales to prevent their dire consequences.
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