Pentagon Approves Whopping $1.9 Billion Arms Deal with Israel
“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1)
image: http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/iron-dome1.jpg
Iron Dome missile defense system being launched against an incoming terrorist rocket. (Photo: IDF)
The US State Department approved a massive arms deal with Israel worth a whopping $1.9 billion, it was announced on Tuesday.
The details of the sale, which are pending congressional review after being approved by the Pentagon, will add thousands of air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles as well as bombs to Jerusalem’s arsenal for “self-defense” needs.
If finalized and approved, Israel will receive a range of precision-guided munitions consisting of 3,000 Hellfire missiles, 750 bunker buster bombs, 4,100 glide bombs, and 250 medium-range air-to-air missiles.
In addition, 14,500 missile guidance systems, also known as tail kits for Joint Direct Attack Munitions, which adapt unguided missiles into GPS guided bombs, are to be shipped to Israel as well.
The deal is worth $1.879 billion and will greatly enhance the military capabilities and defense of the Jewish state.
“The proposed sale of this equipment will provide Israel the ability to support its self-defense needs,” a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency reads. “These munitions will enable Israel to maintain operational capability of its existing systems and will enhance Israel’s operational interoperability with the United States.”
“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.”
According to the statement, the sale was requested by Israel and only includes weapons that Israel already has in its arsenal.
Each year, Israel receives $3 billion in military aid from the US, of which most of the funds must be spent on American-made arms. The $1.9 billion deal comes on the heels of another military aid package to Israel approved by the US House of Representatives Armed Services Committee earlier this month.
The $474 million arms deal will bolster Israel’s anti-missile defense systems and include funding for the short-range Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense systems, the longer-range Arrow III missile defense system, and millions of dollars in development and funding.
Read more at http://www.breakingisraelnews.com/40900/pentagon-approves-1-9-billion-arms-deal-with-israel-jerusalem/#4qgBEjDTzoKQ8uYJ.99
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