The United States has approved the sale of over $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel, which has utilized American-made weapons extensively in its operations during the ongoing war in Gaza. The US State Department authorized the sale, which includes $6.75 billion worth of bombs, guidance kits, and fuses, as well as $660 million in Hellfire missiles, as confirmed by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The sale of these bombs is intended to enhance Israel’s ability to counter both current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and act as a deterrent to regional adversaries, according to a statement from DSCA. The missile sale is aimed at improving Israel’s air defense capabilities, helping protect its borders, infrastructure, and population centers.
This approval comes in the wake of Israel’s large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza, launched in October 2023 following a surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group. The offensive has caused widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing much of the population, although a ceasefire has been in effect since last month, halting the conflict and facilitating the release of hostages taken by Hamas.
Previously, concerns over civilian casualties led to the blocking of a shipment of larger 2,000-pound bombs to Israel by the Biden administration. However, after Donald Trump returned to office, he reportedly approved the shipment.
Although the State Department has approved the sale, the deal still requires congressional approval, though it is unlikely that Congress will block the weapons transfer to one of the US’s closest allies in the Middle East.
