US approves emergency sale of 10,000 precision kill weapon systems to Israel

The United States approved an emergency foreign military sale to Israel of 10,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rounds on 1 May 2026, valued at an estimated $992.4 million, bypassing the standard 30-day congressional review period on national security grounds.

The State Department invoked the emergency waiver provision under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act. The notification states the Secretary "has determined and provided detailed justification that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to Israel of the above defense articles and defense services is in the national security interests of the United States."

The sale covers 10,000 APKWS-II All Up Rounds, a laser-guided rocket system that converts standard unguided 70mm Hydra rockets into precision-guided weapons. Also included are test support equipment, spare and repair parts, technical documentation, personnel training and contractor support services. The principal contractor is BAE Systems, based in Nashua, New Hampshire.

The U.S. State Department said the sale would "improve Israel's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats" and would contribute to U.S. foreign policy and national security by helping to improve the security of "a strategic regional partner that has been, and continues to be, an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Middle East."

The emergency waiver mechanism has been used on several occasions for Israel-related arms sales since October 2023, allowing the administration to bypass the standard congressional review period before the sale could proceed.