ALWAGHT- The US State Department has approved a weapons sale exceeding $7.4 billion to Israel, which has deployed American arms in its ongoing war on Gaza.
The US State Department has informed Congress of its approval for a $7.4 billion arms sale to Israel, consisting of $6.75 billion in bombs, guidance kits, and fuses, along with $660 million in Hellfire missiles. The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) justified the deal by emphasizing Washington's commitment to Israel’s security and national interests. This move is part of a broader effort to bolster Israel’s military capabilities, following past arms deliveries, including the lifting of restrictions on 2,000-pound bombs early in Donald Trump's presidency.
The arms deal comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the US to meet with Trump. Under former President Joe Biden, the US provided Israel with $17.9 billion in military aid between October 2023 and October 2024, a figure nearly six times higher than Washington’s usual annual military support for Israel. Several former US officials have acknowledged that Israel’s military operations in Gaza, including alleged war crimes, would not have been possible without American support. Despite growing international criticism, the US has continued its military aid, ignoring accusations that these transfers contribute to the destruction of Gaza.
Since the start of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, more than 47,000 people have been killed, with 110,000 others injured, the majority being women and children. The war has displaced Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, leaving much of the territory in ruins. On January 15, after failing to achieve its primary objectives—such as eliminating Hamas and securing the release of captives—Israel agreed to a ceasefire deal with Palestinian resistance movements.
