(Reuters) – The Biden administration informally notified the U.S. Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel that features ammunition for fighter jets and attack helicopters, Axios reported on Friday, citing two sources.
The deal would require approval from House and Senate committees and includes artillery missiles and air-to-air missiles for fighter jets to defend against threats reminiscent of drones, according to the report.
The State Department didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
“The president has made clear that Israel has the right to defend its citizens, in accordance with international law and international humanitarian law, and to deter aggression by Iran and its proxy organizations,” a U.S. official told Axios.
According to Axios, the package also includes small-diameter bombs and warheads.
Diplomatic efforts have to this point failed to end Israel’s 15-month-long war in Gaza. President Joe Biden is scheduled to leave office on January 20, when he can be succeeded by Donald Trump.