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The United States has approved a $7.41 billion military sale to Israel, including guided munitions, bombs and related equipment, the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Friday.
The agency said that it had submitted the required authorization to Congress, saying the agreements are "intended to preserve Israel's ability to defend itself."
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits Pentagon alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
(Video: Itamar Eichner)
This move confirms a deal initiated by the Biden administration, which in January—shortly before Donald Trump took office—notified Congress of an $8 billion arms package.
As part of the agreements, Israel will purchase 3,000 Hellfire missiles at an estimated $660 million, using American aid funds. Additionally, the deal includes 2,166 AGM-114 Hellfire bombs, also valued at $660 million, along with 2,166 GBU-39 bombs, approximately 13,000 JDAM guidance kits for bombs of various weights, and 17,475 FMU-152A/B fuse bombs under a separate agreement worth $6.75 billion. Deliveries of Hellfire missiles are expected to begin in 2028, while the other munitions will be supplied starting in 2025.
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According to the Pentagon, the equipment will be sourced from existing U.S. stockpiles and American defense companies, including Lockheed Martin, Boeing and L3Harris. The official statement emphasized that the deal "will not alter the regional balance of power and will assist Israel in defending its borders, critical infrastructure and population."
The State Department affirmed that the agreements align with U.S. policy to maintain Israel’s security and defensive capabilities. The report also stated that Israel will be able to integrate the new equipment into its military system seamlessly and that the deal will not negatively impact U.S. military readiness.
While weapons sales require approval from House and Senate committees, sales to Israel are typically fast-tracked. According to estimates, deliveries will take place gradually, with initial shipments expected in 2025.
Meanwhile, during his visit to Washington this week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with evangelical leaders and addressed delays in U.S. arms shipments during the Biden administration. For the first time, he explicitly referred to the delays as a "weapons embargo."
A statement from Netanyahu’s office said he "thanked the evangelical leaders, who represent millions of believers, for their longstanding and consistent support of the State of Israel." The meeting was attended by incoming U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who said, "We have a responsibility to the Jewish people in Israel and worldwide. You will never stand alone."