“Withholding vital weapons and munitions from both the Israeli military and law enforcement is immoral and needlessly weakens one of our strongest allies in a time of critical need.”
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) sent a letter to the Biden-Harris Department of State demanding answers for why congressionally-approved military equipment and munitions are being withheld from Israeli military and law enforcement. The letter points out that failure to provide equipment as required by statute and legally purchased through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process is not only unlawful but undermines decades of cooperation and U.S. foreign policy interests.
To ensure accountability, Sen. Tuberville is requesting a written unclassified report from Secretary of State Antony Blinken answering specific questions by August 30, 2024.
Read excerpts below or the full letter here.
“Secretary Blinken:
It has come to my attention that the Department of State is potentially withholding vital congressionally authorized military equipment and munitions, as well as properly purchased law enforcement weapons from one of our closest allies, Israel. Failure to provide equipment as required by statute and legally purchased through our robust Foreign Military Sales (FMS) process is not only unlawful but undermines decades of cooperation and U.S. foreign policy interests.
Since Israel gained its statehood in 1948, it has been under constant attack from state and non-state actors alike. Last October, the world witnessed the latest and most horrific of these attacks as Hamas crossed into Israel and slaughtered civilians in their homes without provocation. The depravity displayed that day will never be forgotten. Even now, nine months later, hostages taken by Hamas in that attack have not been returned to their families. The situation continues to be dire as Iran and its terrorist proxies continue to plan and execute attacks on Israeli civilians. As Israel defends itself, the United States has pledged unwavering support to its efforts. Hamas must be eliminated, and Iran must be deterred. Withholding vital weapons and munitions from both the Israeli military and law enforcement is immoral and needlessly weakens one of our strongest allies in a time of critical need.
Therefore, I request a written unclassified report, answering at a minimum the following the questions, by August 30, 2024:
- Since the beginning of FY24, how much aid, in U.S. dollars, has Israel received from the U.S. Government?
- Since the beginning of FY24, what is the dollar amount of completed Foreign Military Sales that have been processed for Israel?
- Since the beginning of FY24, how many FMS Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOAs) have been received by the State Department?
- Since the beginning of FY24, what is the average processing time to review and facilitate an LOA?
- Please submit a list of all FMS sales currently under consideration by the State Department.
- Please provide the specific status of any pending weapons purchased by Israeli Ministry of National Security.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,”
READ MORE:
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Tuberville Statement on Confirmed Reports of Biden Administration Delaying Weapon Sales to Israel
Tuberville, Colleagues Condemn Biden’s Unprecedented Halt on Ammunition, Weapons to Israel
Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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