By - News Beat
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| US President Donald Trump (R) meets with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC. |
In a major move, the US government has approved a massive arms sale to Israel,worth about $3 billion,citing urgent national security concerns.The deal,which bypasses the traditional congressional review process, includes thousands of bombs,warheads and other military equipment.
Arms deal details,
The US State Department formally notified Congress that it had authorized the sale of 35,500 MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs, as well as 4,000 Predator warheads, at a total cost of $2.04 billion. The ammunition, known for its destructive power, is scheduled for delivery from next year.
Additionally, the U.S. approved a separate $675.7 million arms package for Israel, including more munitions, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028. Another $295 million contract for D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers was also approved under contingency conditions.
Emergency approval,
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the move, saying the sale was necessary because of a "national security emergency" that required immediate action. By using emergency powers, the administration was able to bypass standard congressional oversight, allowing the deal to proceed without delay.
The decision comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Israel facing constant security threats. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his supporters have accused President Joe Biden's administration of imposing a "silent weapons embargo" on Israel, a claim that has fueled a political debate in Washington.
Biden's Additional $8 Billion Weapons Proposal,
Last month, the Biden administration also proposed an $8 billion arms deal with Israel, including:
AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM air to air missiles designed for air defense, including protection against drones.
155 mm artillery shells essential for ground combat operations.
Hellfire AGM-114 Missiles Used in attack helicopters for precision strikes.
Small diameter bombs, JDAM tail kits, 500-lb warheads, and bomb fuses to enhance Israel's strike capabilities.
While some of these weapons will be provided from existing US stockpiles, others will require new production, meaning full implementation could take years. The US Congress must still approve a separate $8 billion package, with the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees reviewing the proposal.
Geopolitical implications,
Approval of this $3 billion arms deal continued US support for Israel's military power despite growing criticism from some lawmakers and international groups. The move comes amid ongoing conflicts in the region, where Israel is engaged in military operations against various adversaries.
With tensions high in the Middle East, this latest arms sale could have significant diplomatic and military consequences in the coming months. Whether the Biden administration can push through its $8 billion supplemental package remains to be seen, as political divisions in Washington continue to shape US-Israel relations.
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