US proceeds with guided missile sale to Israel despite hostilities

Despite the violence between Israel and Palestine in recent weeks, the US administration has approved the potential $735million sale of precision guided missiles to Israel.

Congress was informed of the planned sale in April, as part of the normal informal review process before of the formal notification on May 5. Under U.S. law, the formal notification opens up a 15-day window for Congress to object to the sale, which is not expected despite the ongoing violence.

The Joint Direct Attack Munitions, or JDAMs, are made by Boeing and had been seen as a routine sale before last week’s violence signallinng the fiercest hostilities in the region in years.
Asked for comment, a State Department spokesperson noted that the department is restricted under federal law and regulations from publicly commenting on or confirming details of licensing activity related to direct commercial sales like the JDAMs agreement, Reuters reported.
“We remain deeply concerned about the current violence and are working towards achieving a sustainable calm,” the spokesperson said.

RIGHT: JDAMs set for Israel sale. Image: Boeing
 

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