Overnight (Saturday to Sunday), U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed an order classifying the upcoming arms deal with Israel as an emergency arising from U.S. national security interests. This is uniquely significant, as the U.S. administration is bypassing lengthy congressional approval procedures in order to accelerate the delivery of munitions to Israel.
According to journalist Tamir Morag, the deal includes 35,500 heavy bombs of the MK-84 and BLU-110 types. The MK-84 is a bomb weighing nearly a ton, and the BLU-110 is an advanced version with enhanced penetration capabilities.
Greater Operational Freedom in the Ongoing Conflict
Additionally, Israel will receive 4,000 BLU-109 bunker buster bombs, which have previously been critical in major military operations, 4,800 BLU-110 bombs, each weighing approximately 450 kg and 5,000 JDAM guidance kits, which convert unguided bombs into precision weapons.
Shipments are only expected to begin early next year, meaning they will not have an immediate impact on the renewed fighting in Gaza. Nevertheless, the knowledge that these munitions are on their way gives Israel greater operational freedom in the current conflict, without concern over future shortages of military supplies.
