Washington D.C. — July 1 2025 — The United States has officially approved a $510 million arms sale to Israel amid continuing regional tensions, providing thousands of precision-guided munitions as part of the agreement.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), an approved package includes:
3,845 KMU-558B/B Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits for BLU-109 bomb bodies have been manufactured so far.
3,280 KMU-572 F/B JDAM kits for MK-82 bombs have been ordered so far.
These kits provide engineering, logistics and technical support services associated with engineering, logistics and technical support that transform standard “dumb” bombs into precision guided weapons that improve accuracy while decreasing collateral damage. Associated Engineering Logistics and Technical Support
Apnews.com/8-4 | Dawn | NewArab
Strategic Context and U.S. Justification
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s statement stressed the sale as meeting current and future threats by strengthening Israel’s ability to defend borders, vital infrastructure, and population centers from potential danger. Furthermore, this transaction aligns with U.S. national interests without upsetting basic military balance in the region and does not necessitate additional U.S. personnel on the ground for deployment (Dawn.com +1; geo.tv +1).
U.S. support of Israel remains consistent even amid international scrutiny over civilian casualties in Gaza. While some members of Congress are pressuring for less lavish arms aid from Washington, their administration remains committed. A State Department spokesperson explained Washington’s goal as alleviating suffering as much as possible while asserting Israel’s right to self-defense.
Regional and Global Implications
The sale is taking place amid continued Israeli military operations in Gaza and elsewhere, where Palestinian health authorities report thousands of casualties per month; aid convoys also continue to face deadly risks at distribution points with hundreds of civilians being reported killed annually at these distribution points.
International reactions have been strong, with organizations and governments calling for an end to arms transfers until civilian harm declines. One such country reportedly suspended their exports to Israel while unions from multiple countries oppose such deals; yet the United States administration maintains the sale is essential to Israel’s defense posture.
Under U.S. law, major foreign arms sales require notification and review by Congress before being completed, though this sale did not qualify for emergency exemption response as was done during previous deals of President Donald Trump’s administration (Wall Street Journal.com).
While still subject to a 15-day review period, no significant congressional opposition has arisen thus far.
Republicans and Democratic lawmakers alike have voiced support for strong U.S.-Israel military cooperation, though some lawmakers have demanded greater assurances that arms purchased with American dollars are used according to international humanitarian norms.
Humanitarian advocates warn that the sale may exacerbate civilian suffering in Gaza, noting recent incidents at aid distribution hubs and medical facilities. The UN reports over 1,000 civilian deaths since mid-June while seeking help. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 56,500 deaths since October 2023 underscoring its widespread trauma. (Geo.tv)
Critics suggest the U.S. could leverage arms sales as leverage against nations to demand protections for civilians by insisting on humanitarian pauses or greater oversight, measures which have yet to take hold in current policy.
What Happens Next? Should the sale go through, deliveries could arrive later this year to boost Israel’s precision-strike capabilities and deter armed groups while simultaneously intensifying air campaigns in Gaza. According to observers, this may both deter and intensify air campaigns in Gaza simultaneously.
Congress may press for an investigation of how U.S. weapons are being deployed abroad. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue calling for better civilian protections and safe corridors–hoping the next arms sale will contain such terms.