The United States has approved a massive arms sale to Israel, totaling more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related military equipment. 

This comes as Israel continues to deploy American-made weaponry with devastating impact in its ongoing war in Gaza.

According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the State Department has authorized the sale of $6.75 billion worth of bombs, guidance kits, and fuses, along with an additional $660 million in Hellfire missiles.

In a statement, the DSCA emphasized that the bomb sale is intended to enhance Israel’s ability to address present and future security threats, bolster its homeland defense, and act as a deterrent against regional adversaries. The missile sale, it added, would strengthen the Israeli Air Force’s capacity to protect the country’s borders, key infrastructure, and population centers.

Israel launched its large-scale military campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following an unprecedented attack by Hamas earlier that month.

The war has devastated much of Gaza resulting in the displacement of much of its population, but a ceasefire has been in effect since last month, providing for the release of hostages seized by Hamas.

In response to concerns over civilian deaths, then President Joe Biden’s administration blocked a shipment of 2,000lb bombs to Israel – larger than those in the latest proposed sale – but his successor Donald Trump reportedly approved the shipment after returning to office.

While the State Department has approved the sale of the bombs and missiles, the transactions still need to be approved by Congress, which is unlikely to block the provision of the weapons to Washington’s closest ally in the Middle East.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1014 HRS, FEB 08, 2025
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