(Reuters) – The Biden administration informally notified the U.S. Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel that includes ammunition for fighter jets and attack helicopters, Axios reported on Friday, citing two sources.
The deal would need approval from House and Senate committees and includes artillery shells and air-to-air missiles for fighter jets to defend against threats such as drones, according to the report.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
“The president has made clear that Israel has the right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression from Iran and its proxy organizations,” a US official was quoted as saying by Axios.
The package also includes small diameter bombs and warheads, according to Axios.
Diplomatic efforts have so far failed to end Israel’s 15-month war in Gaza. President Joe Biden will leave office on January 20, when Donald Trump will succeed him.