State Department defends US move to ‘replenish’ Israeli weapons
Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller is pressed to explain the Biden administration’s recent authorization of a massive weapons transfer to Israel, which came together with Washington expressing increasing concern over Jerusalem’s war in Gaza and opposition to a planned IDF ground incursion of Rafah.
Miller appears to downplay the authorization, pointing out that many of the weapons requests were made and approved by Congress years ago.
He adds that the US has made a long-term commitment to Israel’s security to the tune of $3 billion each year. Miller notes that Jerusalem faces threats from Iran and Hezbollah, which are both committed to Israel’s destruction.
“So we’re going to continue to support Israel’s ability to defend itself against those sworn enemies,” he says.
The State Department spokesperson adds that Israel does not always draw from the total amount of weapons approved by the US each year, making requests based on its security needs.
“Israel is in an armed conflict and is expending a great deal of defense material and some of that needs to be replenished for Israel’s long-term security,” Miller says, clarifying that aid recipients are obligated to use US weaponry in line with international humanitarian law.
