US Approves $20 Billion Military Equipment Sale to Israel
Washington, D.C., The Gulf Observer: In a significant development reflecting continued U.S. support for Israel, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has authorized the potential sale of military equipment, including F-15 fighter jets, to Israel. The sale, valued at over $20 billion, was confirmed by the Pentagon on Tuesday.
The Pentagon’s statement outlined that the approved sale includes F-15 jets and related equipment worth nearly $19 billion. Additionally, tank cartridges valued at approximately $774 million and army vehicles worth $583 million have also been approved. The tank rounds are expected to be available for immediate delivery, while the production and delivery of the Boeing Co F-15 fighter jets will take several years.
This approval comes as the United States continues to support Israel, its closest ally in the Middle East, as the latter engages in a conflict in Gaza. The ongoing war has caused widespread devastation in the Palestinian enclave.
While the U.S. has endorsed Israel’s military efforts, it has simultaneously sought to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent the conflict from escalating into a broader regional war. Concerns over a wider conflict have grown following the recent deaths of Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, both of which have led to threats of retaliation against Israel.
The approval of this substantial arms sale underscores the U.S.’s commitment to Israel’s security, even as it navigates complex diplomatic efforts to quell the violence in the region. The delivery timeline for the F-15 jets suggests a long-term strategy in bolstering Israel’s military capabilities amidst ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
