The United States has approved a $20 billion weapons package for Israel, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken giving the sale his endorsement on Tuesday.
This package includes F-15 fighter jets and various military equipment as Israel continues its ongoing war in Gaza, now in its tenth month. The Pentagon has indicated that while deliveries of the equipment are set to begin in 2026, the F-15 jets will not arrive until 2029 due to the lengthy production process. However, some experts suggest that certain items may be delivered sooner than anticipated.
The approved deal encompasses nearly $19 billion worth of F-15 jets, $774 million in tank cartridges, over $60 million in explosive mortar cartridges, and $583 million in army vehicles.
READ MORE — Weakening the military is weakening the nation,” says the COAS.
The Pentagon highlighted the significance of this sale, emphasizing that it is vital for the United States to support Israel in maintaining a robust defense capability, which aligns with US national interests.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed appreciation for US support in ensuring Israel’s military superiority in the region, reaffirming the strong security relationship between the two countries.
Since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza in October, the US, Israel’s main ally and arms supplier, has delivered more than 10,000 bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles to Israel. The war has resulted in significant devastation in Gaza, leading to a high number of civilian casualties. Efforts by the US and regional mediators to negotiate a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful.
President Joe Biden proposed a three-phase ceasefire plan for Gaza on May 31, but progress has stalled.
The recent escalation in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict was sparked by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and approximately 250 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched an offensive on Gaza, causing nearly 40,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement of the 2.3 million population, and a growing hunger crisis.
Israel is facing accusations of genocide at the World Court, which it denies. Meanwhile, the US is experiencing increasing criticism both domestically and internationally for its continued military support of Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.
