Washington Endorses $20 Billion Military Sale to Israel

Washington Endorses $20 Billion Military Sale to Israel

 

WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the United States sanctioned a substantial arms deal, approving the sale of $20 billion worth of fighter jets and military equipment to Israel amid the ongoing 10-month conflict in the Gaza Strip. Despite this approval, the Pentagon clarified that deliveries would not commence for several years.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken authorized the sale, which includes nearly $19 billion in F-15 fighter jets, $774 million in tank cartridges, over $60 million in explosive mortar rounds, and $583 million worth of military vehicles, according to a statement from the Pentagon. The F-15 jets, produced by Boeing Co., are expected to take years to manufacture, with the first deliveries projected for 2029. Other equipment is slated to arrive in 2026, though some experts suggest that certain deliveries could occur sooner.

The Pentagon emphasized the strategic importance of this sale, stating, "The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to Israel's security. It is essential to U.S. national interests to support Israel in developing and maintaining a robust and ready self-defense capability."

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant expressed gratitude to U.S. officials via a post on X, acknowledging the U.S. role in ensuring Israel maintains "its qualitative military edge in the region" and reaffirming the strong bilateral security relationship. Since the Gaza conflict erupted in October, the U.S. has provided Israel with more than 10,000 high-impact 2,000-pound bombs and thousands of Hellfire missiles, as confirmed by U.S. officials in June.

The war, which has ravaged Gaza and led to a significant civilian death toll, has prompted Washington to engage in diplomatic efforts alongside regional mediators in hopes of brokering a ceasefire. However, these efforts have yet to yield tangible results. President Joe Biden proposed a three-phase Gaza ceasefire plan on May 31, but it remains unrealized.

The latest escalation in the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict was ignited by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of approximately 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israel launched an assault on the Hamas-controlled enclave, which, according to the local health ministry, has led to the deaths of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million, and a humanitarian crisis marked by starvation and allegations of genocide, which Israel has denied.

The U.S. has faced growing criticism, both domestically and internationally, over its continued military support for Israel in the face of this escalating conflict.