WASHINGTON – The Trump administration has approved the sale of over 20,000 U.S.-made assault rifles to Israel, a deal previously delayed by President Biden due to concerns they might be used by extremist Israeli settlers, a source told Reuters.
According to a document reviewed by Reuters, the State Department notified Congress on March 6 about the $24 million sale of Colt Carbine 5.56 mm fully automatic rifles. The rifles are designated for use by the Israeli National Police.
While this sale is modest compared to Washington’s broader military support for Israel, it attracted attention after the Biden administration blocked it last year. Officials feared the weapons could be misused by settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.
The Biden administration had also imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to such violence. However, on his first day back in office, January 20, Trump rescinded those sanctions through an executive order. Since then, his administration has resumed large-scale weapons deals with Israel.
The March 6 notification to Congress mentioned that the sale considered political, military, economic, human rights, and arms control factors. The State Department has not confirmed whether assurances were obtained from Israel regarding the rifles’ end use.
Context and Reactions
Israeli settlements in the West Bank, which most countries view as illegal, have long been a source of international tension. Israel disputes this interpretation, citing historical and religious ties.
Settler violence had already escalated before the Gaza war, and worsened after the conflict began in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the abduction of over 250 hostages. In response, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Trump has strengthened ties with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and has accelerated arms sales, even when Democratic lawmakers urged a pause for oversight. Just this week, the U.S. Senate rejected two resolutions aiming to block $8.8 billion in additional military sales to Israel.
The rifles are under the control of Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure in Netanyahu’s government. His ministry reportedly prioritized arming civilian security squads following the October 7 attacks.
