U.S. State Department Approves Emergency Tank Ammunition Sale to Israel

The United States Defense Security Cooperation Agency has announced that the Secretary of State has decided to approve the sale of thirteen thousand nine hundred eighty-one (13,981) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges to Israel. This sale is not subject to congressional approval due to the declared emergency situation from the Secretary. This sale will come from the United States Army inventory and is valued at more than 105M USD. The announcement reads below:."The Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges and related equipment for an estimated cost of $106.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 8, 2023..The Government of Israel has requested to buy thirteen thousand nine hundred eighty-one (13,981) 120mm M830A1 High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer (MPAT) tank cartridges. Also included are publications and technical documentation; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $106.5 million..The Secretary of State determined and provided detailed justification to Congress that an emergency exists that requires the immediate sale to the Government of Israel of the above defense articles and services in the national security interests of the United States, thereby waiving the Congressional review requirements under Section 36(b) of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended..The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives..Israel will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces..The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region..This will be a sale from U.S. Army inventory. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale..Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Israel..There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale..The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded."