US Delays Sale of Assault Rifles to Israel Amid Concerns Over Settler Violence

The Biden administration has delayed the sale of over 20,000 U.S.-made rifles to Israel due to concerns about attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The administration is seeking assurances from Israel that the firearms will not be given to settlers and is also concerned about the potential use of the weapons by Israeli police units with human rights concerns. The delay reflects the administration's warnings to Israel to address violence by settlers against Palestinians. The sale has not yet been formally notified to Israel, and the State Department did not comment on the matter.