The US Administration Approves Selling Israel Hellfire Bombs, Missiles, and Military Equipment Worth $7.4 Billion
The United States on Friday approved the sale of more than $7.4 billion worth of bombs, missiles and related equipment to Israel, which has used US-made weapons with devastating capabilities in the war in Gaza.
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement that the State Department approved the deal, which includes the sale of bombs, guidance kits and igniters worth $6.75 billion, in addition to Hellfire missiles worth $660 million.
The agency said the bomb sale deal improves Israel’s ability to confront current and future threats, strengthens its defenses, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats.
The agency pointed out that the missile sale deal will improve Israel’s ability to confront current and future threats by improving the Israeli Air Force’s ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers.
Israel launched a devastating war on Gaza in October 2023 in response to an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 of that month.
The war destroyed most of the territory of the Strip, forcing the overwhelming majority of its population to flee, but a ceasefire in effect since last month halted the conflict and allowed the release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for the release of detainees held by Israel.
The administration of former Democratic President Joe Biden last year suspended the delivery of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, larger than those included in the recent deal, but reports indicated that Donald Trump, upon assuming office, reversed his predecessor’s decision.
Although the State Department has approved the sale of bombs and missiles, the deal requires congressional approval, which is unlikely to disrupt the supply of weapons to America’s closest ally in the Middle East.
