WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has sanctioned a substantial arms deal with Israel totaling nearly $3 billion, sidestepping the typical congressional review process. This deal is set to bolster Israel’s inventory with additional 2,000-pound bombs, which have been employed in their conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
As outlined in a series of notifications dispatched to Congress late Friday, the State Department revealed its approval for the sale of over 35,500 MK 84 and BLU-117 bombs along with 4,000 Predator warheads, amounting to a $2.04 billion transaction.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted a pressing emergency, necessitating the immediate transfer of these defense articles and services to Israel in alignment with U.S. national security interests, thereby circumventing the ordinary Congressional review processes, according to the department.
Delivery of these military supplies is projected to commence next year.
Employing similar emergency rationale, it was also reported that Rubio sanctioned an additional munitions transaction valued at $675.7 million, with shipments scheduled to begin in 2028.
Furthermore, Rubio endorsed the emergency sale of D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers, with a total worth of $295 million.
