- $2.97B total across three military packages
- 35,500 MK84/BLU-117 bombs and 4,000 Predator warheads approved
- Congressional review bypassed via emergency national security clause
- First deliveries scheduled for 2025 with final shipments in 2028
- Includes armored D9 bulldozers linked to controversial operations
The State Department confirmed late Friday it authorized immediate transfer of 35,500 high-impact MK84 bombs - known for creating 50-foot craters - through an emergency provision never before used for Israeli arms deals. This marks a 400% increase in heavy munitions transfers compared to 2022 levels, with Pentagon contracts showing Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics as primary suppliers.
Military analysts note the 2,000-pound BLU-117 bombs being prioritized have limited precision guidance capabilities, raising concerns about civilian casualties in dense urban environments like Gaza City. A 2023 Rand Corporation study found similar munitions caused 68% of non-combatant deaths during recent Middle Eastern conflicts, suggesting this transfer could prolong international backlash.
Industry Insight: The emergency approval establishes dangerous precedent for bypassing standard 30-day congressional review periods. Defense contractors now anticipate faster approval processes for Saudi Arabia and UAE requests, with Raytheon reportedly accelerating production of JDAM guidance kits.
Regional tensions escalated Monday as Egyptian officials revealed plans to modernize their F-16 fleet through French contractors rather than American suppliers - a strategic shift signaling disapproval. Meanwhile, Lebanon's UN delegation circulated satellite imagery showing new Israeli artillery positions along contested border zones, potentially enabled by recent US equipment transfers.
Case Study: Unlike the 2021 $23B UAE arms deal that faced months of congressional scrutiny over Yemen conflict concerns, this Israel package required zero legislative oversight. This disparity highlights inconsistent application of Leahy Law provisions regarding human rights vetting.
The inclusion of $295M worth of armored D9 bulldozers - the same model used in 2003 Palestinian home demolitions - has drawn particular condemnation. Caterpillar's SEC filings show a 140% increase in military bulldozer sales since 2020, though company representatives declined to comment on specific deployment scenarios.
Strategic Impact: With first deliveries scheduled for Q2 2025, these transfers could influence Israel's capacity to conduct extended operations. However, delayed 2028 delivery timelines for smart munitions suggest Pentagon concerns about escalating regional conflicts before next administration transition.