Iran War: US Authorizes $151.8 Million Bombs Sale to Israel

Iran War: US Authorizes $151.8 Million Bombs Sale to Israel

The United States State Department has approved a $151.8 million emergency arms sale to Israel, authorising the transfer of thousands of bombs and critical support services as the Middle East war involving Israel, the United States, and Iran intensifies. The deal, announced on Friday, reflects Washington’s urgent support for Israel’s defence capabilities amid the ongoing regional crisis.

Under the agreement, Israel will receive 12,000 BLU‑110A/B general-purpose bombs, each weighing approximately 1,000 pounds (470 kilograms), along with US government and contractor technical, logistics, and engineering support. The arms package is designed to boost Israel’s ability to counter current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence, and serve as a deterrent against regional adversaries, the State Department said.

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The emergency designation was invoked under the Arms Export Control Act, allowing the sale to bypass the usual congressional review process. Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that “an emergency exists that requires the immediate transfer of these defence articles in the national security interests of the United States.” Critics have warned that bypassing Congress for a weapons sale of this scale raises concerns about oversight and accountability, given the conflict’s humanitarian and geopolitical implications.

The arms sale comes as hostilities in the Middle East continue to escalate following recent US‑Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory attacks by Iranian‑backed forces, including missile and drone strikes on Israel and US facilities across the Gulf region. Observers say the weapons transfer signals unwavering US support for Israel amid growing regional instability.

The emergency sale also underscores the strategic US‑Israel defence partnership, which has long been central to Washington’s Middle East policy. The contract will be executed with existing stockpiles and contracted suppliers, ensuring Israel can rapidly deploy the munitions in the ongoing conflict. Human rights groups and some lawmakers have criticised the sale, warning that further militarisation could exacerbate civilian casualties and prolong the conflict.

Iran War: US Authorizes $151.8 Million Bombs Sale to Israel