U.S. Greenlights $20 Billion Weapons Sale to Israel as Hamas Walks Away from Cease-Fire Talks

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon are intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system over the Upper Galilee region in northern Israel on August 9, 2024. JALAA MAREY/AFP via Getty Images

The United States has approved a massive $20 billion weapons sale to Israel, a move that comes at a critical time as tensions escalate in the region. This decision is likely to have significant implications for the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza.

The approval of the arms deal includes advanced military equipment and technology, aimed at bolstering Israel’s defense capabilities. The timing of the deal is particularly notable as it coincides with Hamas’s withdrawal from cease-fire negotiations, raising concerns that the conflict could intensify further.

Hamas’s decision to back out of the talks has been met with widespread concern, as international efforts to broker peace appear increasingly fragile. The group cited dissatisfaction with the terms of the proposed truce and accused Israel of not making sufficient concessions.

The U.S. decision to proceed with the weapons sale underscores its unwavering support for Israel, despite growing international calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The deal is expected to face scrutiny from both allies and critics, with some arguing that it could further complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.