WASHINGTON: The United States approved the sale of $20 billion in fighter jets and other military equipment to Israel on Tuesday as the country continues its 10-month conflict in Gaza, though the Pentagon stated that deliveries would take several years.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized the sale, which includes F-15 jets and equipment valued at nearly $19 billion, along with tank cartridges worth $774 million, explosive mortar cartridges totaling over $60 million, and army vehicles valued at $583 million, according to a Pentagon statement.
The F-15 fighter jets, produced by Boeing Co., are expected to take years to manufacture, with deliveries beginning in 2029. Other equipment, however, is slated for delivery starting in 2026, though experts suggest some items could arrive even earlier.
“The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to support Israel in maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the Pentagon said.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude to U.S. officials in a post on X, acknowledging the assistance in helping Israel maintain its “qualitative military edge in the region” and affirming the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security.
As Israel’s largest ally and weapons supplier, the U.S. has sent over 10,000 highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles to Israel since the Gaza war began in October, according to U.S. officials.
The war has led to severe devastation in Gaza, with a high civilian death toll. In an effort to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East, Washington, alongside other regional mediators, has been working to negotiate a ceasefire.
President Joe Biden presented a three-phase ceasefire proposal for Gaza on May 31, though efforts to reach an agreement have so far been unsuccessful.
The latest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict began on October 7, when the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the taking of around 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
