US to sell Israel $7 billion worth of weapons

The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved a deal to sell Israel over $7.4 billion worth of weapons. Under the deal, Israel will receive missiles, bombs and other military materials, including guidance systems and detonators.

According to Bloomberg, on 7 February, the US State Department informed Congress of its decision to approve the sale of 3,000 Hellfire missiles intended for use from air platforms, along with associated equipment, with a total cost of $660 million. 

In addition to this, Israel will receive $6.75 billion to purchase bombs, as well as components for their guidance.

State Department representatives emphasised the importance of this deal, stating that Israel’s security remains a priority for the US, and that supporting Israel’s self-defence aligns with America’s national interests. 

The sale includes over 2,100 250-pound GBU-39/B bombs, as well as 2,800 casings for 500-pound MK-82 bombs. The delivery of guided bombs will begin next year, while the Hellfire missiles, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, will only be supplied starting in 2028.

Deliveries are expected to be carried out from US stockpiles as well as from leading contractors such as Boeing Co., ATK Tactical Systems Co. and L3Harris Technologies Inc.

Bloomberg also notes that in January, the Trump administration sent Israel a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs that had been suspended by Joe Biden’s administration in connection with Israel’s military operations in Gaza.