Biden Seeks to Lift Restrictions on Israeli Access to US Weapons

In a recent budget request, the White House called on the United States Senate to lift most of the restrictions on Israel's access to weapons from a vital US stockpile. This move is aimed at facilitating a smoother flow of weapons to Israel, which has temporarily halted its destructive bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip.

If this request is granted, Israel would be able to obtain a greater quantity of high-powered US weapons at a lower cost, all while facing less scrutiny from Congress. Specifically, the proposed changes would impact the War Reserve Stockpile Allies-Israel (WRSA-I), an inventory of US weapons located in Israel that includes smart bombs, missiles, military vehicles, and other armaments and equipment.

This stockpile, established in the 1980s, serves as a strategic reserve of weaponry for the Pentagon to utilize in the event of regional conflicts. 

Israel, the ally of the United States in the Middle East, has previously been able to acquire weapons from the US reserve in times of emergencies or at a reduced cost. However, the current proposal by the White House aims to remove any restrictions, allowing the US to transfer all defense articles to Israel without any limitations. Additionally, the proposal would waive the yearly spending limit on refilling the reserve and reduce congressional oversight on these transfers.

A recent poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos in November revealed that only 33 percent of US respondents believe that the Washington should support Israel in the war, while others prefer the US to adopt a neutral mediator role or support the Palestinians. Moreover, only 31 percent of US respondents are in favor of sending weapons to Israel, compared to 43 percent who oppose such action.

On a separate note, the aid to Ukraine is facing delays due to opposition from Republican lawmakers. 

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