US Lifts Weapons Sales Ban to Saudi Arabia

President Joe Biden has decided to lift the three-year ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, reversing a policy aimed at pressuring Riyadh to end its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This decision follows the Saudis' adherence to a UN-mediated truce, which resulted in a cessation of Saudi airstrikes in Yemen since March 2022. The move comes amid heightened regional tensions following Hamas's attack on Israel and the subsequent threat of Iranian retaliation. The Biden administration aims to bolster its strategic ties with Saudi Arabia to counter Iran and support Israel, while also seeking a broader defense pact and potential normalization of Saudi-Israel relations. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed concerns over human rights but have softened their stance due to recent Middle Eastern conflicts. The decision was first reported by Reuters and the administration has briefed Congress on the matter, with sales potentially resuming as early as next week.