U.S. Approves Over $8.6 Billion Arms Sales to Israel and Three Other Countries
On May 1, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Xu Jianmei) that the U.S. State Department announced the approval of military sales to Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait, totaling over $8.6 billion, without the need for congressional review.
On the same day, the U.S. State Department released multiple messages detailing the relevant military sales contracts. Among them, Israel will purchase 10,000 sets of "Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems" and related equipment, estimated at $992.4 million.
In addition, Kuwait will purchase an "Integrated Warfare Command System" and related equipment, estimated at $2.5 billion; Qatar will purchase 10,000 sets of "Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems" and related equipment, as well as supply services and related equipment for the "Patriot" missile defense system, estimated at approximately $5 billion in total; the United Arab Emirates will purchase "Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems" and related equipment, estimated at $147.6 million.
The U.S. State Department stated that the Secretary of State determined that an emergency exists, necessitating the immediate sale of defense materials and services to the aforementioned four countries, which aligns with U.S. national security interests. According to the amended Arms Export Control Act, the relevant transactions are exempt from congressional review.
On May 1, 2023, the U.S. State Department approved military sales exceeding $8.6 billion to Israel, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait. Israel will acquire 10,000 advanced precision strike weapon systems, while Kuwait will purchase an integrated warfare command system. Qatar's deal includes advanced precision strike systems and Patriot missile defense supplies. The sales were expedited without congressional review due to an emergency declaration.
- The U.S. approved over $8.6 billion in military sales to Israel, UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait.
- Israel will purchase 10,000 advanced precision strike weapon systems for approximately $992.4 million.
- Kuwait will acquire an integrated warfare command system for about $2.5 billion.
- Qatar will buy 10,000 advanced precision strike weapon systems and Patriot missile defense supplies for around $5 billion.
- The sales were approved without congressional review due to an emergency declaration.