The U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday the approval of a $20 billion arms sale to Israel.
The deal, which has been communicated to Congress, encompasses a substantial package of military equipment designed to bolster Israel’s defence capabilities.
AP reports that the approved sale includes over 50 F-15 fighter jets, a critical asset for Israel’s air superiority.
Meanwhile, the package features Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), which are known for their advanced targeting and engagement capabilities.
The sale also includes 120 mm tank ammunition, high explosive mortars, and tactical vehicles.
This substantial arms package comes at a time of escalating concerns that Israel might be drawn into a broader regional conflict.
However, the weapons are not anticipated to reach Israel soon; these contracts are projected to take years to complete. Much of the equipment being sold is aimed at enhancing Israel’s long-term military capabilities, with the earliest systems under the contract expected to be delivered around 2026.
The State Department stated, “The United States is committed to Israel’s security, and it is crucial to U.S. national interests to support Israel in developing and maintaining a strong self-defence capability. This proposed sale aligns with those objectives.”
The Biden administration faces the challenge of balancing its ongoing support for Israel with increasing calls from lawmakers and the public to limit military aid due to the high civilian casualties in Gaza.
In response, it has halted a delivery of 2,000-pound bombs amidst ongoing airstrikes in densely populated Gaza areas.
The contracts will encompass not only the sale of 50 new aircraft to be produced by Boeing but also include upgrade kits for modifying Israel’s existing fleet of two dozen F-15 fighter jets with new engines, radars, and other enhancements. These jets make up the largest portion of the $20 billion deal, with the first deliveries projected for 2029.
