The sale of 12,000 470 kg bombs was approved by the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, according to a press release.

The US State Department approved the sale of 12,000 470-kg bombs to Israel on Friday, as the two countries are engaged in an escalating war in the Middle East against Iran. The sale, valued at $151.8 million, was approved by the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, according to a press release.

"The proposed sale will enhance Israel's ability to deal with current and future threats, strengthen its national defense and serve as a deterrent against regional threats," the statement said.

In addition to munitions, the sale will include engineering, logistics, and technical assistance services provided by the U.S. government and contracted providers. Major U.S. defense contractors have agreed to quadruple their production of advanced weapons, President Donald Trump announced Friday.

Exception in case of "emergency situation"

While U.S. arms sales typically require congressional approval, Secretary of State Marco Rubio invoked a waiver bypassing that approval, to the dismay of some lawmakers. "The Secretary of State has determined and provided a detailed justification that there is an emergency situation that necessitates the immediate sale to the Israeli government of the aforementioned defense articles and services in the interest of U.S. national security," the State Department said, citing the Arms Export Control Act.

For Democrat Gregory Meeks, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, bypassing congressional review "reveals a glaring contradiction at the heart of this administration's arguments for war."