The US Department of State has notified Congress of a planned $8bn (£6.4bn) arms sale to Israel, an American official has confirmed to the BBC.

The weapons consignment, which needs approval from House and Senate committees, includes air-to-air missiles to be used against airborne threats, including drones, the official said.

The move comes just over a fortnight before President Joe Biden leaves office. A source familiar with the sale told the BBC: “The President has made clear Israel has a right to defend its citizens, consistent with international law and international humanitarian law.”

In August, the US approved the sale of $20bn in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel.