US approves over $7 billion arms deal with Israel

(Dan Tri) - The administration of US President Donald Trump has approved a $7.4 billion arms package with Israel, however, Democratic lawmakers have requested that the deal be suspended until more information is available.

(Illustration: US Air Force).

The US Department of Defense announced on February 7 that the State Department had approved a package for Israel worth an estimated $6.75 billion including bombs, guidance devices and other equipment.

There is also a $660 million deal to supply Hellfire missiles to Israel, with Lockheed Martin as the prime contractor.

The sale is intended to “improve Israel’s ability to respond to current and future threats, strengthen the country’s defenses and serve as a deterrent to regional threats.”

In particular, the missile deal enhances the Israeli Air Force's ability to protect borders, critical infrastructure and population centers.

The announcement came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Washington for talks with President Donald Trump and other senior US officials.

Gregory Meeks, a Democratic member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized Trump for breaking long-standing precedent for congressional review of major arms sales.

Although the State Department has approved it, the sale of bombs and missiles to Israel still needs congressional approval.

Former President Joe Biden's administration notified Congress of a proposed $8 billion arms sale to Israel in January, before Trump took office, two US officials said.

That is consistent with longstanding practice of giving the chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate Foreign Relations Committees the opportunity to review the sale and request more information before making a formal notification to Congress.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-thong-qua-thuong-vu-vu-khi-hon-7-ty-usd-voi-israel-20250208152046268.htm