WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - The Biden administration has utilized emergency powers to authorize the immediate sale of approximately 14,000 tank shells to Israel without congressional review, the Pentagon announced on Saturday.

Under an emergency declaration of the Arms Export Control Act, the State Department granted approval for the sale of tank rounds valued at $106.5 million to Israel, as stated in a Pentagon statement released on Friday.

This sale is part of a larger package, initially reported by Reuters on Friday, that the Biden administration is seeking congressional approval for. The comprehensive deal, worth over $500 million, includes 45,000 shells intended for Israel's Merkava tanks that are frequently deployed in its Gaza offensive, a campaign that has led to the loss of numerous civilian lives.

As the conflict escalates, the usage and impact of U.S. weapons in the region are facing increased scrutiny, despite U.S. officials asserting that there are currently no plans to attach any conditions to military aid to Israel or consider withholding any part of it.

Human rights advocates have expressed their concerns regarding this sale, stating that it contradicts Washington's efforts to urge Israel to minimize civilian casualties.

On Saturday, a State Department official highlighted that Washington maintains a clear stance with the Israeli government, emphasizing the need to adhere to international humanitarian law and take all feasible precautions to prevent harm to civilians.

The proposed sale aims to demonstrate U.S. commitment to Israel's security and reinforce its defensive capabilities, the official added.

According to the Pentagon's statement, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has justified and presented a detailed rationale to Congress, asserting that the immediate provision of tank shells to Israel aligns with the national security interests of the United States.

The tank shells, consisting of 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) cartridges and associated equipment, will be sourced from the U.S. Army inventory.

The Pentagon emphasized that this enhanced capability will serve Israel as a deterrent against regional threats and fortify its homeland defense, asserting that there will be no negative impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this sale.

It is worth noting that Israel's utilization of the Merkava tanks, which employ 120mm shells, has been linked to incidents resulting in the deaths of journalists.

A recent Reuters investigation, unveiled on Thursday, revealed that an Israeli tank crew fired two consecutive shells from Israel, resulting in the killing of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and the injury of six other journalists who were filming cross-border shelling.

As debates surrounding the sale of U.S. weapons persist, the Biden administration faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian consequences of such transactions, while continuing to assert its commitment to international law and secure the safety and defense of its allies.