Although the Pentagon stated that delivery would not start for years, the United States approved on Tuesday the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military hardware to Israel as it continues its 10-month-old conflict in the Gaza Strip.
According to a statement from the Pentagon, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken approved the sale of F-15 planes and equipment valued at nearly $19 billion, as well as tank cartridges worth $774 million, explosive mortar cartridges worth over $60 million, and army vehicles for $583 million.
The production of the new F-15 fighter jets, which the Boeing Company starts, was anticipated to take years, with deliveries starting in 2029. The Pentagon stated that deliveries of additional equipment would start in 2026.
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to US national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the Pentagon said.
Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, expressed gratitude to American authorities in a post on X for assisting Israel in preserving “its qualitative military edge in the region” and the American commitment to Israel’s security.
Since the beginning of the Gaza conflict in October, the United States, Israel’s largest friend and arms provider, has deployed thousands of Hellfire missiles and over 10,000 highly damaging 2,000-pound bombs, according to US officials who spoke with Reuters in June.
Gaza has been severely damaged by the conflict, and many civilians have died as a result. Washington has worked with other regional mediators to set up a ceasefire in the hopes of preventing a wider conflict in the Middle East.
On May 31, President Joe Biden proposed a three-phase ceasefire in Gaza. However, there have been no successful attempts to bring it to achievement.
