In a significant move, the US arms deal with Israel has been approved, bypassing the usual Congressional review. The $3 billion agreement includes advanced weaponry and heavy munitions, reinforcing Israel’s military capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. The approval, justified as an emergency national security measure, reflects Washington’s continued military support for its key ally in the Middle East.
Details of the Arms Deal
The US State Department officially notified Congress about the sale, which includes over 35,500 MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs, along with 4,000 Predator warheads, valued at $2.04 billion. Deliveries are set to begin next year.
Additionally, another $675.7 million arms package has been approved, with shipments expected to start in 2028. The State Department also authorized the emergency sale of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers worth $295 million to Israel, further strengthening its military infrastructure.
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Bypassing Congressional Oversight
Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the move by citing an emergency national security concern, allowing the sale to proceed without the standard Congressional review. This approach has sparked debate, as bypassing Congress limits lawmakers’ ability to scrutinize or block the deal. However, the US government argues that Israel’s security needs require immediate action.
Additional Military Support from the Biden Administration
Last month, the Biden administration also notified Congress of a separate $8 billion arms sale to Israel. This package includes:
- AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM missiles to counter aerial threats, including drones.
- 155mm artillery shells for long-range firepower.
- Hellfire AGM-114 missiles for attack helicopters.
- Small-diameter bombs and JDAM tail kits to enhance precision strikes.
- 500-pound warheads and bomb fuzes to reinforce Israel’s military arsenal.
These weapons will be delivered over several years. Some munitions will come from existing US stockpiles, while others will require new production. The sale must still pass through the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees for approval.
Strategic Implications and Regional Tensions
The latest arms deal comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have accused the Biden administration of imposing a “silent arms embargo” by delaying military shipments. This new approval appears to counter those claims, signaling continued US-Israel military cooperation.
As the geopolitical landscape shifts, Washington’s decision to expedite military aid underscores its commitment to supporting Israel’s defense strategy. However, the move also raises questions about the long-term impact on regional stability and US foreign policy in the Middle East.
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