The United States has approved the sale of more than $3 billion in munitions, bulldozers, and related equipment to Israel as the country continues to replenish its military arsenal following its military invasion of Gaza.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorised the sales, which include $2.04 billion worth of bomb bodies and warheads, $675.7 million in additional bomb bodies and guidance kits, and $295 million in bulldozers and related equipment, according to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
Rubio determined that an “emergency exists” requiring the immediate sale to Israel, bypassing the usual requirement for congressional approval, the DSCA stated.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the agency added.
The latest arms deal follows more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and other military supplies that Washington approved for Israel earlier this month.
Israel launched its recent military campaign in Gaza in October 2023 following an attack by Hamas. Israeli actions have since caused widespread destruction across the coastal enclave and displaced the entirety of its population.
However, a ceasefire agreement has been in place since last month, pausing the conflict and facilitating the release of captives held by Hamas and Palestinians wrongfully detained by Israel.
Concerns over civilian casualties had previously led then-President Joe Biden’s administration to block a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel.
However, his successor, Donald Trump, has reversed that decision, with the latest weapons package including bombs of that size.
