The United States fears that supplying Israel with its requested firearms will lead to more escalation in the West Bank.
The New York Times writes about this, citing sources.
According to the newspaper, Israel has requested 24,000 semi-automatic and automatic rifles from the US, the sale of which requires the approval of the State Department and notification of the US Congress.
The Israeli authorities in turn noted that the weapons will be used by the police, but admitted that they could be transferred to civilians.
“The Israeli government’s request … is drawing close attention from lawmakers and State Department officials, who fear the weapons could fall into the hands of settlers and civilian militias that are trying to dislodge Palestinians from lands in the West Bank,” the publication said.
According to the newspaper’s sources, opinions within the State Department are divided over the arms sale to Israel.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed confidence that the Anglo-Saxons are literally pushing the Middle East to unleash a big war.