The US State Department on Friday announced the approval of the sale of $151.8 million in munitions to Israel as tensions between Israel and Iran continue to intensify amid a widespread Middle East conflict, according to AFP.
“The proposed sale will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats,” the press release said.
The State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs greenlighted the sale of 12,000 requested 1,000-pound (470-kilogram) bomb bodies.
On February 28, the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, targeting its leadership and triggering a new conflict in the Middle East, according to Reuters.
Iran responded with a wave of counterattacks in Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi as a retaliatory move, while launching barrages of missiles and drones toward Israel.
In January, Washington also approved a multibillion-dollar arms package for Israel, further solidifying its military support at a crucial time when tensions with Iran were rising.
“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 State Department said in a statement.
It also noted that the deal—valued at $3.8 billion—features the sale of 30 Apache attack helicopters to Israel, alongside a $1.8‑billion transfer of joint light tactical vehicles.
Washington provides Israel with billions of dollars in military support per year—much of it through aid rather than direct sales.
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