US approves sale of bombs and missiles to Israel worth $7.4 billion

(Patria) - The United States yesterday announced it has approved the sale of more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel, which has used American-made weapons during the war in Gaza, AFP reported.

The State Department signed off on the sale of $6.75 billion in bombs, guidance kits, and fuzes, along with $660 million in Hellfire missiles, according to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

The proposed sale of bombs "enhances Israel's ability to respond to current and future threats, strengthens its homeland defense, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats," the DSCA said in a statement.

The missile sale would "enhance Israel's ability to confront current and future threats, improve the capabilities of the Israeli Air Force to defend Israeli borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers," it stated.

Israel launched an offensive against Hamas in Gaza in October 2023 in response to an attack by the Palestinian militant group that month.

The war has devastated much of Gaza, resulting in the displacement of most of its population, but a ceasefire has been in effect since last month, halting the deadly conflict and allowing for the release of hostages captured by Hamas.

In response to concerns about civilian deaths, the administration of then-President Joe Biden blocked a shipment of 907-kilogram bombs to Israel, but his successor Donald Trump approved the shipment upon returning to office.

Although the State Department has approved the sale of bombs and missiles, the transactions still need to be approved by Congress, but it is unlikely to block the delivery of weapons to Washington's closest ally in the Middle East.