Biden Administration Increases Military Support for Israel, Raising Risks and Costs, Report Warns
The Biden administration’s recent decision to deploy a THAAD missile defense system and send 100 U.S. personnel to Israel underscores a growing American commitment to bolster Israel’s defenses amid its ongoing multi-front war. As reported by The National Interest on Friday, this increase in support comes with significant financial and human costs, and the presence of U.S. troops on Israeli soil raises the potential for direct American involvement in regional conflicts.
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The wars in Gaza and Lebanon have taken a heavy toll, with 40,000 lives lost in Gaza alone—many of them women and children—and millions displaced without access to clean water, healthcare, and basic services. These casualties spotlight the urgent need to reconsider U.S. arms transfers to Israel, which some lawmakers argue are exacerbating violence and heightening regional instability.
U.S. military assistance to Israel has been substantial, with recent reports estimating that American-subsidized weapons for Israel have cost at least $22.76 billion since the outbreak of violence in Gaza. Additionally, the Biden administration has announced more than $20 billion in future arms sales to the Israeli military, including potential transfers of F-15 fighter jets, artillery shells, and guided bombs. However, this deal faces opposition from lawmakers such as Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT), and Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR), who have introduced resolutions opposing certain elements of the agreement, citing concerns over its escalation of the conflict.
Beyond arms sales, the U.S. is committing extensive resources to its military presence in the Middle East, including aircraft carriers, additional troops, and missile defenses aimed at countering Iran’s regional response. If the Biden administration yields to Israeli calls for strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, the costs—and the risk of retaliatory actions—could increase dramatically.
As the U.S. allocates billions to support Israel and maintain approximately 40,000 troops in the region, the potential costs continue to climb. The National Interest report underscores that while these expenses may seem modest compared to the Pentagon’s annual budget, which approaches $1 trillion, they carry significant geopolitical risks.
The report calls on Congress to limit U.S. arms transfers to Israel and to advocate for de-escalation in the region, emphasizing that continued conflict benefits no one and could lead to further, uncontrollable escalation.