02/05/2026
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02/05/2026
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WASHINGTON, May 1: The administration of Donald Trump has approved more than $8.6 billion in military sales to key Middle Eastern allies, invoking emergency authority to bypass congressional review in a move that is likely to spark political and legal debate in Washington.
The US State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined that an “emergency” situation necessitated immediate action, allowing the administration to waive the standard requirement for Congress to review and potentially block major foreign military sales.
The approved deals span multiple regional partners. Qatar will receive the largest share, with a $4.01 billion package for Patriot air and missile defense support services aimed at strengthening its defensive capabilities. Additional sales include $992.4 million worth of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), a guided rocket system designed to improve strike accuracy.
Kuwait has been cleared to purchase an integrated battle command system valued at $2.5 billion, which is expected to enhance coordination and response across its military operations. Meanwhile, Israel was approved to receive APKWS valued at $992.4 million, and the United Arab Emirates will acquire similar systems worth $147.6 million.
US officials said the decision underscores Washington’s commitment to reinforcing the defense capabilities of its regional allies amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and security challenges. However, the use of emergency powers to sidestep congressional oversight is expected to draw criticism from lawmakers, particularly given the scale of the deals and the sensitive regional context.
The move also reflects a broader strategy by the Trump administration to accelerate arms transfers and deepen military partnerships in the Middle East, even as debates continue in Congress over the balance of power in approving foreign arms sales.
