US Approves $151.8M Munitions Sale to Israel Under Emergency Authority

The U.S. State Department announced on Friday the approval of a $151.8 million sale of munitions to Israel, bypassing the standard congressional review process under emergency authority as the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its second week. The transaction, determined necessary by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, includes 12,000 BLU-110A/B general-purpose bomb bodies, each weighing 1,000 pounds, along with related engineering, logistics, and technical support services.

The decision invokes Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, which allows for expedited approvals in cases of national security urgency. Rubio cited the ongoing conflict as creating an immediate need, stating that the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and enhances the security of Israel, described by the department as a key regional partner for stability and progress in the Middle East. The principal contractor is Repkon USA, based in Garland, Texas, with some components drawn from existing U.S. stockpiles.

The approval comes amid escalating hostilities that began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian targets, including military...