The GBU-39, which weighs 250 pounds or 111.3 kilograms, is manufactured by Boeing. The bomb was designed to be meant for precision strikes in urban areas.

In 2008, then-President George W. Bush approved an Israeli request to purchase 1,000 GBU-39s, Middle East Newsline reported. Israel was said to have been the first foreign country to receive the U.S. weapon in a deal reported at $77 million.

Officials said the Obama administration cited the need for deployment in Afghanistan in withholding the GBU-39 to Israel. They said the White House approved the delivery of the bombs in the summer of 2010 amid the administration's efforts to reduce tension with Israel before the congressional elections in November.

Israel has not reported how many GBU-39 units were delivered or approved for Israel. The Jerusalem Post, which disclosed the initial delivery, said the F-15I fleet of the Israel Air Force would be the first recipients of the bombs.

The Post also reported that Israel would receive its first shipment of the laser variant of the U.S.-origin Joint Direct Attack Munition. The laser model, which contains a laser seeker and is also produced by Boeing, was said to enhance attacks against moving ground targets.

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