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By Gabe Whisnant
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The State Department informed Congress of its plan to sell over $7 billion in weapons to Israel, which includes thousands of bombs and missiles. This announcement comes just two days after President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
This significant arms sale occurs amidst a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Despite the truce holding, Trump continues to promote his controversial proposal to relocate all Palestinians from Gaza and redevelop the area as an international travel destination.
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Why It Matters
The weapon sale represents another move in Trump's efforts to enhance Israel's arsenal. In late January, shortly after taking office, Trump lifted the hold on sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. Previously, the Biden administration had paused the shipment due to concerns about civilian casualties, especially during an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
What To Know
The State Department announced on Friday that it had submitted two separate arms sales to Congress. The first sale, valued at $6.75 billion, includes a wide range of munitions, guidance kits, and related equipment.
This package comprises 166 small diameter bombs, 2,800 500-pound bombs, and thousands of guidance kits, fuzes, and other bomb components and support equipment, with deliveries starting this year.
The second arms package is for 3,000 Hellfire missiles and associated equipment, estimated at $660 million. The deliveries of these missiles are slated to commence in 2028.
Arms sales need approval from House of Representatives and Senate committees.
What People Are Saying
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, raised concerns about the sale in January, and told the Associated Press: "We continue engagement with the administration on a number of questions and concerns."
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted to X on Thursday: "Yesterday, I met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We discussed the horrific October 7 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of some 1,200 civilians, including more than 40 Americans. I praised Prime Minister Netanyahu for his leadership and courage over the past 15 months, culminating in a ceasefire agreement that secured the release of Israeli, American, and other hostages.
"We agreed Iran remains a regional threat and will work together to address this challenge. I emphasized the unbreakable bond that exists between our two countries and that Israel is a model ally in the region. I made clear that under President Trump's leadership the United States will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel."
What Happens Next
The region's tenuous ceasefire is still intact, and the next phases of the accord are scheduled to proceed.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Update: 2/07/25, 5:37 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update: 2/07/25, 7:40 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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