Biden notifies US Congress of planned $8bn arms sales to Israel: Reports

Package to include precision-guided munitions, artillery shells and air-to-air missiles, according to US media reports.

The administration of outgoing United States President Joe Biden has notified Congress of a planned $8bn arms sale to Israel, according to US media reports, as the ally continues its devastating war on Gaza.

The Department of State sent the foreign affairs committees of the House and the Senate the notification on Friday, US media reported on Saturday, citing unnamed officials.

The weapons will include 500-pound (226kg) warheads, precision-guided munitions, artillery shells, missiles for jets and attack helicopters, and bomb fuses, along with air-to-air missiles to intercept projectiles, the reports said.

Some production and delivery of the munitions can be fulfilled through existing US stock, but the majority is expected to be delivered to Israel over a longer period, according to the US outlets.

In August, Washington approved a separate package worth $20bn, which included jets, military vehicles, bombs and missiles.