The U.S. Approves $20 Billion Arms Sales to Israel
Recently, the State Department announced the approval of $20 billion in arms sales to Israel. This includes a variety of weapons such as fighter jets and advanced air-to-air missiles. However, these weapons will not arrive in Israel anytime soon as the contracts will take years to fulfill.
The sale includes more than 50 F-15 fighter jets, AMRAAMs, tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles. The primary goal of these sales is to enhance Israel’s military capability in the long term. The earliest deliveries under this contract are not expected until 2026.
The State Department emphasized the importance of supporting Israel’s self-defense capability, stating that it is essential for U.S. national interests. Despite calls to reduce military support for Israel due to civilian casualties in Gaza, the Biden administration remains committed to its support.
These contracts will not only involve the sale of new aircraft but also include upgrade kits for existing F-15 fighter jets. The first deliveries are anticipated in 2029, marking a significant step in strengthening Israel’s military capabilities.
Overall, this arms sale highlights the ongoing support between the U.S. and Israel, emphasizing the importance of security and defense in the region.