The U.S. government has approved a substantial military sale to Israel, permitting the delivery of sophisticated bomb guidance kits valued at hundreds of millions of dollars.
This decision by the Biden administration, officially communicated to Congress on the last day of October, facilitates Israel’s purchase of weaponry crucial for its precision strike capabilities amidst ongoing conflicts in the region.
Following the harrowing events of October 7, where a brutal attack by Hamas — designated as a terrorist organization by the United States and its allies — resulted in the deaths and injuries of thousands of Israelis, the U.S. authorization comes as a strategic reinforcement. The attack, which has been characterized by reports of extreme brutality, prompted a strong military response from Israel, including intensive aerial bombardments and ground operations in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas’ capabilities.
The sale encompasses $320 million worth of Spice Family Gliding Bomb Assemblies, technology that transforms conventional bombs into guided ones, enhancing accuracy and reducing collateral damage. This package builds upon a previous $400 million request processed under the Trump administration in 2020. The purchasing entity is Rafael USA, affiliated with the Israeli defense contractor Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, indicating a direct commercial transaction rather than through U.S. government channels.
These precision kits are destined for use with Israel’s existing munitions, notably their 1,000- and 2,000-pound bombs, recognized by a New York Times report as some of the most formidable in global military arsenals. The enhanced capabilities provided by these kits are expected to play a pivotal role in Israel’s ongoing military strategy.
