The U.S. State Department has approved nearly $3 billion in emergency arms sales to Israel, bypassing the usual congressional review process.
The Pentagon announced the deals on Friday, including 35,529 general-purpose bomb bodies, 4,000 bunker-busting bombs, and $675 million worth of guided bomb kits. Some weapons may be delivered immediately from U.S. stock, while full deliveries extend to 2028, reports Reuters.
Additionally, a $295 million package includes Caterpillar D9 bulldozers. This marks the second emergency arms sale approval to Israel this month, following previous approvals by both the Trump and Biden administrations.
On Monday, the Trump administration rescinded a Biden-era order requiring reports on potential violations of international law involving U.S.-supplied weapons. The move coincides with cuts to U.S. humanitarian foreign aid.
The arms deal comes as a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile. While last month’s truce led to the release of 44 Israeli hostages and around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, both sides have accused each other of violations, casting doubt on further negotiations.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
