The United States revealed on Monday that it has approved a major arms deal with Israel, authorizing the sale of bomb guidance systems and related support valued at $510 million, AFP reports.
The assistance comes in the wake of Israel’s extensive use of weaponry during its recent military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran, leaving its reserves significantly depleted.
A statement from the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) confirmed the proposed transaction and highlighted its significance to regional stability and national defense.
“The proposed sale will enhance Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats by improving its ability to defend Israel’s borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers,” the DSCA stated.
Reinforcing the close defense relationship between the two countries, the agency added, “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 has already signed off on the deal, and the DSCA has formally submitted the notification to Congress, which must now decide whether to give the sale its final approval, AFP reported.
This move comes in the aftermath of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion, a military campaign that focused on crippling Iran’s nuclear operations and targeted top scientists and senior military officials.
In response, President Donald Trump authorized a retaliatory campaign—Operation Midnight Hammer—which included targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
Trump addressed the matter during a press conference at the White House on Friday, saying he would “absolutely” weigh the option of further strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if circumstances warranted it.
“Sure, without question, absolutely – it has to be unbelievable,” the President told reporters when asked specifically if he would consider bombing Iran if future intelligence reports offered a concerning conclusion on its enrichment of uranium.
Trump added that, in his view, Iran is not in a position to resume its nuclear development efforts in the near term as a result of the US military action.
He also mentioned that Iranian officials appear open to discussions with Washington, mirroring statements made by his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who indicated that preliminary conversations had already begun between the two nations regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi firmly pushed back last week against the notion that Tehran was preparing to reenter nuclear talks with the United States, dismissing any such reports following the recent hostilities.
{Matzav.com}
