US greenlights $3bln arms deal for 'Israel' as ceasefire talks stall

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
Today 09:50

The latest weapons sales follow Washington's approval earlier this month of more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment for "Israel".

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An Israeli and US flag are reflected on a conference table at the Pentagon, Tuesday, March 26, 2024, in Washington (AP)

The United States announced on Friday the approval of more than $3 billion in military sales to the Israeli occupation entity, including munitions, bulldozers, and related equipment.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the sale of $2.04 billion in bomb bodies and warheads, an additional $675.7 million in other bomb bodies and guidance kits, and $295 million in bulldozers and related equipment, according to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The largest portion of the deal, valued at $2.04 billion, comprises 35,529 MK 84 or BLU-117 general-purpose bomb bodies and 4,000 I-2000 penetrator warheads.

The additional $675.7 million package includes MK 83 and BLU-110 bomb bodies, along with JDAM guidance kits, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.

"Israel" will also receive D9R and D9T Caterpillar bulldozers under the $295 million agreement, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.

Rubio "has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the government of Israel of the above defense articles and defense services in the national security interests of the United States," the DSCA stated.

As a result, the usual congressional approval process for such sales was waived, the agency added.

"The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability," the DSCA indicated.

The latest weapons sales follow Washington's approval earlier this month of more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment for "Israel", which utilized American-made weaponry in its devastating war on the densely populated Gaza Strip.

In response to concerns over civilian casualties, then-President Joe Biden's administration blocked a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to "Israel" last year.

However, his successor, Donald Trump, has reversed that decision, and the newly approved sales include weapons of that size.

The latest announcement comes after Trump recently floated his Gaza "takeover" scheme, which includes displacing more than two million Palestinians to neighboring countries and turning the enclave, under US control, into the "Riviera of the Middle East," a plan that has faced regional and international backlash.