The Biden administration has told key lawmakers it is sending a new package of more than US$1 billion in arms and ammunition to Israel, three congressional aides said Tuesday.
It's the first arms shipment to Israel to be announced by the administration since it put another arms transfer -- consisting of 3,500 bombs -- on hold this month. The administration has said it paused that earlier transfer to keep Israel from using the bombs in its growing offensive in the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The White House has come under criticism from both sides of the political spectrum in the U.S. over its military support for Israel's now seven-month war against Hamas in Gaza. Some of U.S. President Joe Biden's fellow Democrats have pushed him to limit transfers of offensive weapons to Israel to pressure the U.S. ally to do more to protect Palestinian civilians. Many Republicans condemn any lessening of military backing to Israel.
The package being sent includes about $700 million for tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar rounds, the congressional aides said. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an arms transfer that has not yet been made public.
There was no immediate indication when the arms would be sent. It's not clear if this shipment is part of the long-delayed foreign aid package that Congress passed and Biden signed last month, a tranche from existing arms sale or a new sale.
President Joe Biden walks to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
The Wall Street Journal first reported the plans to move the package.
House Republicans were planning this week to advance a bill to mandate the delivery of offensive weaponry for Israel. Following Biden's move to put a pause on bomb shipments last week, Republicans have been swift in their condemnation, arguing it represents the abandonment of the closest U.S. ally in the Middle East.
The White House said Tuesday that Biden would veto the bill if it were to pass Congress. The bill also has practically no chance in the Democratic-controlled Senate. But House Democrats are somewhat divided on the issue, and roughly two dozen have signed onto a letter to the Biden administration saying they were "deeply concerned about the message" sent by pausing the bomb shipment.
One of the letter's signers, New York Rep. Ritchie Torres, said he would likely vote for the bill, despite the White House's opposition.
"I have a general rule of supporting pro-Israel legislation unless it includes a poison pill -- like cuts to domestic policy," he said.
In addition to the written veto threat, the White House has been in touch with various lawmakers and congressional aides about the legislation, according to an administration official.
"We strongly, strongly oppose attempts to constrain the President's ability to deploy U.S. security assistance consistent with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said this week, adding that the administration plans to spend "every last cent" appropriated by Congress in the national security supplemental package that was signed into law by Biden last month.
An organization that represents clothing recyclers says they鈥檙e frustrated after a W5 investigation found a fake charity and some violent players connected to organized crime have been muscling in on the clothing donation bin industry, and is calling for governments to do more.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if his party forms government, it will scrap the federal sales tax on new homes sold for less than $1 million and push provinces to do the same.
A recall has been issued for gummy candies due to pieces of wood, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
A manhunt is underway in northern Austria after a hunter allegedly fatally shot two people and fled the scene, local police said Monday.
Marred by several delays, the trial of alleged human traffickers Lauriston and Amber Maloney is underway Monday in a Bradford courtroom, with both entering a not guilty plea.
A group of Cape Breton firefighters are apologizing after four people showed up at a Halloween dance dressed in what appeared to be Ku Klux Klan costumes.
Canadian doctors are calling for employers and schools not to require sick notes when it comes to short-term minor illnesses.
Here's how retirees will get their funds from the federal benefit.
Colin Farrell took time out from his acting schedule on Sunday to complete the Dublin Marathon 鈥 while pushing an old friend in a wheelchair.
A group of Cape Breton firefighters are apologizing after four people showed up at a Halloween dance dressed in what appeared to be Ku Klux Klan costumes.
Marred by several delays, the trial of alleged human traffickers Lauriston and Amber Maloney is underway Monday in a Bradford courtroom, with both entering a not guilty plea.
A major amusement park is part of Ontario's grand vision to turn the Niagara region into Las Vegas north, but Marineland may not fit the bill, the provincial tourism minister says.
A minor earthquake shook off the coast of B.C. Monday morning, which registered at a magnitude of 4.1, according to federal officials.
Toronto police say a suspect vehicle involved in a downtown shooting Sunday night that left one person seriously injured crashed into an Etobicoke school and caught fire.
British Columbia's election could finally be decided today with the counting of absentee ballots, after recounts and a tally of mail-in votes failed to settle the contest on the weekend.
Iranian-German prisoner Jamshid Sharmahd, who was kidnapped in Dubai in 2020 by Iranian security forces, has been executed in Iran after being convicted on terror charges disputed by his family, the country's judiciary reported Monday.
Israel's parliament is scheduled to vote Monday on a pair of bills that would effectively sever ties with the UN agency responsible for distributing aid in Gaza, strip it of legal immunities and restrict its ability to support Palestinians in east Jerusalem and the West Bank.
North Korea has sent about 10,000 troops to Russia to train and fight in Ukraine within 'the next several weeks,' the Pentagon said Monday, in a move that western leaders say will intensify the almost three-year war and jolt relations in the Indo-Pacific region.
A woman appeared in an Australian court on Monday charged with a May assault on the Indigenous senator who shouted at King Charles III during a royal reception last week.
An extraordinarily rare dime whose whereabouts had remained a mystery since the late 1970s has sold for just over US$500,000.
A manhunt is underway in northern Austria after a hunter allegedly fatally shot two people and fled the scene, local police said Monday.
Former senator Mobina Jaffer says she was told by the Sudanese intelligence director that he felt Canadian officials had asked him to detain Montreal man Abousfian Abdelrazik.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says if his party forms government, it will scrap the federal sales tax on new homes sold for less than $1 million and push provinces to do the same.
Another week, another raft of imminent challenges to Justin Trudeau's leadership of both the country and the Liberal Party.
Canadian doctors are calling for employers and schools not to require sick notes when it comes to short-term minor illnesses.
A recall has been issued for gummy candies due to pieces of wood, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Health Canada released an advisory last week that warns against the use of baby walkers available on eBay.ca, saying the products may pose a risk of injury and that baby walkers are banned in Canada.
A British man who used artificial intelligence to create images of child abuse was sent to prison for 18 years on Monday.
Renowned Canadian author Margaret Atwood, who is currently writing her memoir, said in an interview that she is too old to be worried about the rise of artificial intelligence and described herself as still having a 'good time' writing.
A team of researchers at the University of Waterloo are introducing a technology capable of delivering an entire course of antibiotics in one tiny dose.
Adele and Celine Dion were each brought to tears after an emotional interaction during Adele's concert at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Colin Farrell took time out from his acting schedule on Sunday to complete the Dublin Marathon 鈥 while pushing an old friend in a wheelchair.
Victor Garber got teary-eyed when he walked into a brunch in his honour Sunday in London, Ont.
Volkswagen has informed employee representatives that it wants to close at least three plants in Germany, the head of the company's works council said Monday.
American Airlines is testing a new technology at three airports across the U.S. during the boarding process that aims to cut down on passengers who try to cut the line.
Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week: Bank of Canada, GDP figures, and results for Enbridge, Parkland, and Imperial Oil.
One bar in Tokyo has been trying to reintroduce to locals and visitors alike a taste of doburoku, one of the oldest and most controversial drinks in Japanese history.
British chef Jamie Oliver is asking for help to solve the mystery of a missing award-winning cheddar, worth US$390,000.
With jaw-dropping big wall ascents and a life packed with adrenaline and adventure, climber Tommy Caldwell has had a career worthy of 鈥 and captured by 鈥 a feature film.
Dwyane Wade鈥檚 status as a Miami Heat legend was further cemented on Sunday as the franchise unveiled an eight-foot statue of the three-time NBA champion.
San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa crashed his teammates' postgame interview on Sunday to show his support for former U.S. president Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election with a hat emblazoned with Trump's slogan: Make America Great Again.
Leon Draisaitl scored his second goal of the game 18 seconds into overtime and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Sunday night.
Volkswagen has informed employee representatives that it wants to close at least three plants in Germany, the head of the company's works council said Monday.
A 17-year-old Ottawa driver was caught speeding nearly 90 km/h over the speed limit on Highway 417.
Based on initial appearances, there are signs indicating the automobile industry is in healthy shape 鈥 for now.
Witches and warlocks have been flocking to New Brunswick waterways this month, as a new Halloween tradition ripples across the province.
New Brunswicker Jillea Godin鈥檚 elaborate cosplay pieces attract thousands to her online accounts, as well as requests from celebrities for their own pieces.
A new resident at a Manitoba animal rescue has waddled her way into people's hearts.
Hundreds of people ran to the music of German composer and pianist Beethoven Wednesday night in a unique race in Halifax.
He is a familiar face to residents of a neighbourhood just west of Roncesvalles Avenue.
A meteor lit up our region's sky last night 鈥 with a large fireball shooting across the horizon over Lake Erie at around 7:00 p.m.
Residents of Ottawa's Rideauview neighbourhood say an aggressive wild turkey has become a problem.
A man who lost his life while trying to rescue people from floodwaters, and a 13-year-old boy who saved his family from a dog attack, are among the Nova Scotians who received a medal for bravery Tuesday.
A newly minted Winnipegger is hoping a world record attempt will help bring awareness for the need for more pump track facilities in the city.
British Columbia's election could finally be decided today with the counting of absentee ballots, after recounts and a tally of mail-in votes failed to settle the contest on the weekend.
Police with the British Columbia Highway Patrol have arrested a 28-year-old man after 73 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly found inside a vehicle near the resort city of Revelstoke.
More than a week after a man was set to return from his hiking trip in northern B.C., police have released more information in hopes of advancing the missing person鈥檚 case.
New home sales in the Greater Toronto Area remained sluggish last month, but a new report suggests that the market is now primed for buyers following four consecutive interest rate cuts.
An organization that represents clothing recyclers says they鈥檙e frustrated after a W5 investigation found a fake charity and some violent players connected to organized crime have been muscling in on the clothing donation bin industry, and is calling for governments to do more.
An 'iconic' gorilla that has lived at the Toronto Zoo since it first opened in 1974 is experiencing health issues and will be kept from the public as he receives treatment.
The Calgary Food Bank is experiencing a significant increase in demand, with the number of annual visits up more than 200 per cent since 2019.
Giraffe from Toronto now living at Calgary Zoo
Shania Twain is coming to Calgary to help kick off Stampede. The Grammy-award-winning singer will be playing the Saddledome on July 5, 2025, to mark the start of 鈥淭he Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.鈥
Grief counsellors are at Perth and District Collegiate Institute in Perth, Ont. today, as family, friends and the community mourn the death of 15-year-old Reese Stanzel.
Suspended Ottawa lawyer James Bowie has been ordered to pay $235,000 in damages to a former client after he repeatedly suggested she pay for his legal services with oral sex and released personal details about her online after the allegations were reported by 愛污传媒 Ottawa.
Municipalities across Ontario are facing a cost increase for provincial police services next year, including the Town of Arnprior, which will see a 21 per cent increase for the OPP.
The National Director of Youth Protection, Catherine Lemay, resigned at the request of the minister responsible for social services, Lionel Carmant, after institutional scandals.
At a general meeting on Sunday, longshoremen at the Port of Montreal decided to hold another partial strike, this time indefinitely.
Police are looking for help identifying an armed robber in a costume.
A warrant has been issued for an Edmonton man in connection with a $2.3 million drug bust earlier this month.
Jason Nixon, minister of seniors, community and social services speaks with Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins about their investments in interim housing for Jasper.
A group of Cape Breton firefighters are apologizing after four people showed up at a Halloween dance dressed in what appeared to be Ku Klux Klan costumes.
Monday is the first full day of campaigning in the Nova Scotia provincial election.
Glen Savoie has been named interim leader of New Brunswick鈥檚 Progressive Conservatives.
A North End home went up in flames early Monday morning.
A city committee has recommended against moving forward with a back lane project intended to reduce stormwater runoff in sewers, saying there isn鈥檛 enough data to back its effectiveness.
Manitoba RCMP are asking for the public鈥檚 help finding a missing 40-year-old man who was last seen in Selkirk.
Candidates across Saskatchewan have made their final pitches to potential voters as the 2024 campaign comes to a close and election day arrives.
With multiple polls suggesting a tight race to the finish for Saskatchewan's major political parties 鈥 here are the ridings where some extra attention may be required.
Election day has arrived in Saskatchewan. With it, the last wave of voters prepare to cast their ballots and decide who will form government in the province.
What role does ideology play in the sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty to four charges in an attack at the University of Waterloo?
The Guelph Police Service is planning to dedicate more resources to ensuring public safety in the city鈥檚 downtown area as part of an ongoing initiative.
Police say just before 5 p.m. Friday, the suspects went to an address near Dawson Road and Shelldale Crescent and banged on the door.
Candidates across Saskatchewan have made their final pitches to potential voters as the 2024 campaign comes to a close and election day arrives.
With multiple polls suggesting a tight race to the finish for Saskatchewan's major political parties 鈥 here are the ridings where some extra attention may be required.
Election day has arrived in Saskatchewan. With it, the last wave of voters prepare to cast their ballots and decide who will form government in the province.
Two people were busted in Nipissing First Nation trying to use fake money to buy machinery, Anishinabek Police Service says.
Former U.S. president Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to CNN anchor Anderson Cooper with a woman's first name in recent days as the Republican presidential nominee focuses his closing message on a hypermasculine appeal to men.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford will be in Sudbury on Monday, his office says.
London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) and St. Joseph鈥檚 hospitals are reintroducing masking guidelines. Starting Thursday, patients at both hospitals with a fever or respiratory symptoms will be required to wear a mask except in inpatient rooms.
A home in Londesborough has been severely damaged following an early morning fire. Central Huron fire crews were called to the home on Sarah Street around 5:30 a.m.
At last count, 4438 residents on the voter鈥檚 list will vote on whether they want the community to become the permanent home to Canada鈥檚 used nuclear fuel.
Marred by several delays, the trial of alleged human traffickers Lauriston and Amber Maloney is underway Monday in a Bradford courtroom, with both entering a not guilty plea.
Huntsville OPP and the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) are conducting a homicide investigation after three individuals were found dead in a Huntsville neighbourhood Friday evening.
Emergency crews battled a house fire in Huntsville that claimed the life of one pet on Monday.
A man is facing several charges after a five-hour standoff with Windsor police over the weekend.
A popular band from the disco era is coming to Caesars Windsor.
According to AM800 News, the fire broke out at the home next to an apartment building around 3 a.m.
British Columbia's election could finally be decided today with the counting of absentee ballots, after recounts and a tally of mail-in votes failed to settle the contest on the weekend.
Police with the British Columbia Highway Patrol have arrested a 28-year-old man after 73 kilograms of cocaine were allegedly found inside a vehicle near the resort city of Revelstoke.
A minor earthquake shook off the coast of B.C. Monday morning, which registered at a magnitude of 4.1, according to federal officials.
More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.
Dave Lindsey began growing giant pumpkins to bring a bit of magic to his grandkids' Halloween.
A U.S. District Court judge in Montana has sentenced a 27-year-old man from Kelowna, B.C., to 18 months in prison for using fake names to buy guns with the aim of selling them in Canada.
RCMP say a Medicine Hat man was killed in a collision between an SUV and a motorcycle in southeast Alberta on Sunday evening.
A tentative agreement has been reached between the City of Lethbridge and more than 900 employees belonging to CUPE Local 70.
The Hurricanes will be happy to be back home in Lethbridge Saturday night after losing their third in a row on the road Friday night, a 4-1 decision to the Broncos in Swift Current.
Ontario Provincial Police say three people have been charged with arson following a fire at a Sioux Lookout apartment building Friday night.
Last week, tariffs surrounding Chinese steel and aluminum products went into effect and stakeholders in northern Ontario and abroad say it's good news.
A female athlete from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., achieved two big goals at the 2024 World Triathlon championships in Spain last weekend.
Teams are facing off in a new eastern Newfoundland hockey league aiming to bring competitive play 鈥 and a few extra years on the ice 鈥 for young women in the province.
Investigators found the remains of a 77-year-old American man on Wednesday at the scene of a fire that destroyed a hotel in western Newfoundland earlier on the weekend.
Police in western Newfoundland say a 77-year-old man visiting the province from Kansas is missing after a fire at a hotel in Deer Lake, N.L.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at 愛污传媒. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop.聽Read about us.
