Washington, D.C.: As the conflict between Hamas and Israel rages on, tensions in the Middle East have escalated further with Iran’s increased involvement. In response, US President Joe Biden approved a massive arms sale exceeding $20 billion to Israel on Wednesday. The deal includes advanced F-15 fighter jets, thousands of tank and mortar shells, and other military equipment, signaling strong US support for Israel’s defense.
The arms package, which aims to bolster Israel’s military capabilities, comes amid fears of a major attack from Iran. According to the New York Post, the deal will take years to fully materialize, with deliveries expected to begin by 2026. The agreement encompasses a range of weaponry, including fighter jets, air-to-air missiles, tank ammunition, and other war materials, as concerns grow over escalating conflict in the region.
A US State Department spokesperson emphasized that supporting Israel’s security remains a top priority for the United States. “Helping Israel develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability is critical to US interests,” the spokesperson stated. The announcement sends a clear message to Iran and Hezbollah, both of which have repeatedly threatened Israel, according to Israeli officials.
The arms package includes 50 F-15 fighter jets valued at $19 billion, along with 30 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles worth $102 million, tank cartridges costing $775 million, and military vehicles valued at $583 million. However, due to the complexity of production and logistics, these assets are unlikely to reach Israel before 2029.
This move comes after the Biden-Harris administration previously delayed a weapons shipment to Israel over concerns about rising civilian casualties in Gaza. The administration faces a delicate balancing act between supporting Israel’s right to self-defense and addressing global criticism over the humanitarian toll in Gaza, which followed Israel’s response to a surprise Hamas attack last October.
The newly approved deal underscores the US commitment to Israel’s long-term security, even as it faces growing challenges from adversaries in the region.
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