On January 4, 2025, the Biden administration approved an arms sale to Israel valued at $8 billion, which includes 155mm artillery shells, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, small diameter bombs, and 500-pound warheads. The deal, pending congressional approval, is positioned as a means to support Israel's defense amid escalating tensions with Iran and its affiliates.
A U.S. State Department official indicated that the sale aims to replenish vital munitions and enhance Israel's air defense capabilities. This announcement coincides with a new video released by Hamas' military wing, Al-Qassam Brigades, featuring an Israeli hostage, Liri Elbag, who was captured during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The video, lasting approximately 3 minutes and 30 seconds, shows Elbag speaking in Hebrew, urging the Israeli government to act for her release. She was taken while serving in the Israeli military at the Nahal Oz base. Her family has publicly appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and world leaders to prioritize her return.
In related developments, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza early on January 4 resulted in the deaths of 12 Palestinians, raising the total casualties from recent strikes to 65 within a 24-hour period. The Israeli military has not yet commented on this specific incident but previously stated that operations against Hamas in Beit Hanoun are ongoing, targeting what they describe as a military complex used by militants.
Simultaneously, negotiations for a ceasefire are reportedly resuming in Qatar, with an Israeli delegation sent to Doha to continue discussions. Despite intense diplomatic efforts led by Cairo, Doha, and Washington, a lasting ceasefire has yet to be established following a brief truce at the end of November 2023.