Trump Administration Seeks Congressional Approval for New Weapons Sale to Israel

 

Trump Administration Seeks Congressional Approval for New Weapons Sale to Israel

The Trump administration has requested approval from the U.S. Congress for the transfer of new weapons and military equipment to Israel, valued at nearly one billion dollars, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The proposed arms deal includes 4,700 precision-guided bombs weighing 450 kilograms each, valued at over $700 million. In addition, the agreement involves the sale of armored bulldozers from Caterpillar worth more than $300 million.

This request will be funded by the U.S. military aid allocated annually to Israel, which amounts to billions of dollars. The timing of the deal coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza, a potential ceasefire in Lebanon, and the broader situation in the Middle East.

Background of U.S. Support to Israel

The U.S. has been Israel’s largest weapons supplier for decades. In 2016, the United States and Israel signed a Memorandum of Understanding for military aid totaling $38 billion over a 10-year period (2018-2028). This included $33 billion in grants for military equipment and $5 billion for missile defense systems. Washington has also helped fund Israel's missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome and the David's Sling missile defense system.

Earlier in his second term, Trump lifted the previous ban on a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, including 1,800 MK-84 bombs that had been prohibited by the previous administration. These large bombs are highly accurate and destructive, often used to target military installations, command centers, and infrastructure.

Israel's Request for Accelerated Delivery

Israel is also seeking Trump’s support for expediting the delivery of additional arms previously approved under the Biden administration, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his gratitude to Trump for fulfilling his promise and lifting the ban on the 2,000-pound bombs. The bombs, which will be shipped to Israel in the coming days, are expected to significantly enhance Israel’s military capabilities.

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